Lantau residents who want to make their views known on the ferry service may have their chance next week.

New World First Ferry will host a meeting between passengers and executives next Friday evening.

But those who want to take part will need to hurry – deadline for applications is tomorrow (Sunday – see details below).

The number of participants is limited to 20.

Participants will be chosen through statistical sampling rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

The meeting is open to Cheung Chau and Peng Chau passengers as well as those who use the Mui Wo route.

Most public transport licensees in Hong Kong are obliged by their licence conditions to hold regular consultations with passengers.

However, such meetings between First Ferry passengers and the ferry company are rare.

Information about the consultation is also scarce. It has posted a single notice at Central Ferry Pier, while the location of the event remains a secret.

By contrast, New Lantao Bus Co. holds regular meetings with passengers. It advertises them on its website but for for some reason gives extremely short notice.

For the last two meetings, in Tai O in October and Ngong Ping in September, it gave just two days’ advance notice.

The First Ferry consultation comes at a time when island ferry services are under unprecedented pressure because of rising visitor numbers and, in Mui Wo, the pending arrival of an estimated 2000 new residents next August.

Because of the crush of passengers on some weekends and holidays on Cheung Chau, the company has just launched a scheme that gives Cheung Chau residents with a monthly pass priority over other passengers.

DETAILS

What: New World First Ferry Passenger Liaison Group consultation

When: 6:30-8:30pm, November 24

Where: To be advised

Enrolment: Email to ferry_ideas@nwff.com.hk or fill in enrolment form at Central Ferry Pier.

Deadline: On or before November 19

More information: Customer service hotline 2131 8181