Revised $2-fare scheme first-day rollout went smoothly, govt says
發佈日期: 2026-04-03 20:07
TVB News
The revised 2-dollar transport concessionary scheme takes effect today.
Under the new arrangement for the elderly, journeys over the 10-dollar threshold are charged at 20 percent of the full fare.
The government says there won't be further policy adjustments over the short term.
Starting today, seniors pay 20 percent of adult fares for public transport rides that cost more than 10 dollars.
For fares of 10 dollars or below, the 2-dollar discounted rates remain the same.
For example, a cross-harbour trip from Tai Wai to Hong Kong Island now costs 4 dollars 20 cents -- more than double the previous flat rate of 2 dollars for the elderly.
Some say the increase was minimal and understandable given government is financially strained.
Another commuter says the change won't affect their travel habits.
Others admit they are not fully aware of the fare revision, saying they would need time to get used to the changes.
This man notes how some people abused the discount scheme and squandered government subsidies.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare CHRIS SUN: "In 75 spots in Hong Kong, we are stationing the ambassadors for a total of three weeks. They are in the spot to help answer questions about the 2 dollars 80 percent off. Apart from that, we have had the support of district councillors, the care team members, and also staff from our welfare NGOs. They are using their own way to explain the operation."
He says 60 percent of public transport fares cost less than 10 dollars -- and are subject to the same 2-dollar concessionary fare.
The public money saved would be spent mostly on the city's seniors too.
The administration earlier said the new policy is expected to help the government save 550 million dollars in public expenditure in the next fiscal year.
He says some 2.67 million elderly people now benefit from the fare scheme but a decade later, the number will likely rise to 3.2 million.
