Feasibility Study and Pilot Scheme of Water Bus for Inter-village and Coastal Eco-tour Service for Lai Chi Wo and Nearby Villages

Proponent: The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation Limited

Site: Lai Chi Wo

Project Description

In order to improve the connectivity of the remote countryside, the project organisation completed the technical feasibility study, and introduced the "Water Bus Pilot Scheme" to provide a new kaito service running between Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Shui Hang, Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau, and Kai O every Tuesday and Thursday through collaborating with a ferry company, in order to link up the countryside with the downtown areas, facilitate the villagers and visitors in travelling between the two places and promote the conservation of cultural assets and sustainable development of the countryside areas. The kaito service was commenced in July 2022.

Grant Approved

HK$2,000,000

Project Duration

01/07/2021-30/06/2023

How To Get There

1 | Ma Liu Shui Kaito Ferry |

• Every Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

• Departure: Ma Liu Shui No.3 Pier at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：30

2 | Tai Shui Hang Kaito Ferry |

• Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding Public Holidays)

• Departure: Tai Shui Hang at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：40

3 | Sha Tau Kok Kaito Ferry |

• Closed Area permit needed

• Daily (No service on Tuesday (except Public Holidays))

• Departure: Sha Tau Kok Pier at 08：30、10：30、12：30、15：15

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 09：00、11：30、13：00、16：15

4 | Minibus + Hiking |

• Take green minibus No. 20R from Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang, then hike for about 2 hours to Lai Chi Wo

• Reference Route: Wu Kau Tang → A Ma Wat → Fan Shui Au → Lai Chi Wo

➤ Kaito Ferry Service Details

Project Update

The project was completed on 30 June 2023.

Project Outcome

The project organisation collaborated with a ferry company to launch a 12-month water bus pilot programme. The programme started in July 2022 and ended in June 2023. During this period, a new kaito service was added on Tuesdays and Thursdays, connecting Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Shui Hang, Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, and Ap Chau. The route saw approximately 20,000 passengers. After the project ended, due to the overwhelming response, the ferry company decided to continue operating this route at its own expense.