MTR fare rise of 3.09 percent kicks in

Fares on the MTR rose by 3.09 percent on Sunday. The MTR had initially sought 3.2 percent but the government's affordability cap - which is based on the median monthly household income - limited the rise. The increase means that an adult passenger using an Octopus card to make the long journey between Tung Chung to Hong Kong Station will have to pay 70 cents more, bringing the total fare to HK$24.3. To cushion the initial blow, the rail operator is offering a complimentary ride for passengers who make 10 trips on the rail network between July 1 and July 28. However, this offer is only available to adult passengers who have linked their Octopus cards to the MTR Mobile app. It also excludes the Airport Express and Light Rail.