The government's "HK$2 Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme" for the elderly and eligible persons with disabilities has been adjusted to a new fare calculation mechanism that took effect today (April 3), commonly described as "$2 flat rate or 80 per cent off."
Under the new arrangement, concessionary users continue to pay a flat HK$2 for trips where the adult fare is HK$10 or less. For trips exceeding HK$10, they receive an 80 per cent discount, paying only 20 per cent of the adult fare. The eligibility threshold for those aged 60 or above remains unchanged.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun visited the Tiu Keng Leng Station Public Transport Interchange and Wong Tai Sin this morning to observe the implementation. Speaking to the media afterward, Sun expressed confidence that most elderly users understand the new calculation method.
He noted that the Transport Department's Emergency Transport Coordination Centre had monitored the system overnight, describing the transition as "smooth, stable and properly executed."
The Transport Department, Octopus, and various transport operators have deployed 30 teams to monitor on-the-ground operations. For the next three weeks, service ambassadors will be stationed at 75 locations to assist citizens, while 360 district councillors and Care Team members will also provide support across different districts.
Sun pointed out that 60 per cent of public transport fares are HK$10 or below. Even for trips exceeding HK$10, the government still covers 80 per cent of the cost. He believes the new arrangement will help address the problem of "short journeys on long-haul routes" while still providing subsidized fares for the elderly.
Regarding long-term prospects, Sun stated that the scheme currently covers approximately 2.67 million people, the vast majority of whom are elderly. Against the backdrop of an aging population, it is estimated that 3 million people will be covered in five years, rising to 3.2 million in a decade. Given the large number of people involved, he emphasized that "this will be a long-term arrangement."
Related News:
Taxi e-payments: Multiple platforms waive transaction fees
HK rises to world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade
Comment