Govt has no intention to cancel $2 Scheme, Chris Sun says
The 2024-25 Budget includes a review of the $2 Scheme's operational model. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun stated that the government intends to maintain the original policy intent of the scheme, which is to encourage beneficiaries to travel, and has no plans to cancel or change the current groups benefiting from it.
"The government will consider various options during the review, assessing their effectiveness in controlling expenditure growth and their practical feasibility, and will announce the review results and recommendations in due course.
In a written response to Legislative Council members on Nov. 20, Sun noted that in the revised budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year, the expenditure for the $2 fare concession scheme amounts to about HK$4 billion, representing 0.7% of the government's annual operating expenses.
According to Sun, since June of last year, the Transport Department has intensified enforcement efforts in collaboration with public transport operators. As of the end of October this year, around 480 joint enforcement actions had been conducted, checking approximately 970 routes and around 3,080 individuals suspected of improperly using the $2 Scheme. Seven suspected abuse cases have been filed for investigation by the Police, with two cases successfully prosecuted: one of the passengers was imposed a fine of around HK$14,000 and required to repay the underpaid fares (totaling around HK$2,000), and another passenger was convicted of two counts of false accounting and sentenced to 120 hours of community service and was fined around HK$5,800 and required to repay the underpaid fares (totaling around HK$620).
Additionally, an investigation into another two cases has been completed and the Police did not have sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspected abusers. The remaining three cases are still under investigation by the Police. During this enforcement period, the MTR collected additional fees from approximately 9,680 individuals who improperly used the $2 Scheme.
Sun emphasized that the government launched a new round of promotional efforts in October to remind eligible beneficiaries that they must use a designated Octopus card to enjoy the $2 fare concession. He also stressed that improper use of the concession scheme by ineligible individuals is illegal, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment if convicted.
Related News:
Comment