Adjusted two-dollar public transport fare scheme to take effect in April
發佈日期: 2026-03-23 21:46
TVB News
The government said a revised two-dollar public transport fare scheme for senior citizens will take effect on April 3rd.
The change could result in a saving of over half a billion dollars for the government.
The existing concession scheme allows senior citizens aged 60 or above and persons with disabilities to take public transport rides with a flat rate of two dollars.
Under the revised scheme, beneficiaries can no longer enjoy two-dollar rides wherever they go. For journeys that cost 10 dollars or less, individuals can continue to pay the flat two-dollar rate.
But trips that cost more than 10 dollars, a model of "two-dollar flat rate or 80 percent discount" will be applied, meaning passengers will pay 20 percent of the full fare of those rides.
Long journey bus fare will become more expensive.
Take bus route 952 as an example: The bus travels between Tuen Mun and Causeway Bay and the full journey costs 24.2 dollars. Under the revised scheme, passengers will pay 4.84 dollars and not the flat two-dollar rate for the ride.
Some beneficiaries said they could only accept the new measure. "I would take fewer long journey trips in the future to save money," this man said. "I only take public transport when I need to, so I would not stop travelling to places because of the increased fare," this woman explained.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the revised scheme can improve the government's financial situation "The estimated annual saving arising from the new measure will be around 550 million dollars. That's going to save the public money."
Sun said authorities will introduce the proposed monthly cap of 240 concessionary trips next year.
He said authorities will remind the elderly about the changes, including putting up posters at about 2,000 spots across the city.
