MTR Corporation proposes 9.4% Airport Express fare hike to HK$120

Hong Kong's MTR Corporation has proposed raising Airport Express fares by an average of 9.4%, marking the first increase in eight years. If approved, the fare hike will take effect in June, with adult Octopus users paying HK$120 for a trip between Hong Kong Station and the airport, up from HK$110, and similar increases from Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations. The MTR cites ongoing financial challenges, as passenger volume remains at about 70% of pre-pandemic levels while operational and energy costs have risen significantly. The company also highlighted that similar rail services in cities like London, Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney have raised fares by 13-38% in the same period. Despite the Airport Express increase, fares on other MTR lines will remain frozen this year. The MTR plans to invest over HK$2 billion to upgrade Airport Express facilities and will introduce targeted ticket discounts.