Welfare chief: updates on 2-dollar transport discount scheme

The government has announced it will not implement the second phase of the "two dollars or 80 percent off" scheme for people eligible for the discount, which would require full fare after more than 240 trips per month.

The two-dollar transport discount scheme, which changed to a " two dollars or 80 percent off " scheme this April, was originally scheduled to be further restricted next year.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said on social media that he received letters from disabled individuals saying that 240 trips might not be enough, as they need to make multiple vehicle transfers.

Sun pointed out that only about 450 people per month make more than 240 trips, representing a negligible percentage of the 2.7 million beneficiaries. Of these 450, about 22 percent are disabled.

He said updating the system and conducting testing would cost 30 million dollars, which is not cost-effective. Therefore, the decision was made not to implement the restriction.