HK$2 fare scheme cap may discourage elderly from working: Hong Kong lawmakers

Hong Kong’s latest proposal to cut an elderly transport subsidy has sparked criticism from lawmakers, with one arguing the move could discourage senior residents from going to work.

Authorities have proposed capping the number of trips under the HK$2 (25 US cents) public transport concessionary fare scheme at 240 a month and requiring users to pay 20 per cent of the usual price for those costing more than HK$10.

This adjustment could save the government between HK$100 million and HK$300 million annually.

Lawmakers on Monday voiced concerns that such measures could undermine the government’s own policy goal of encouraging more seniors to work.

Gary Zhang Xinyu, a member of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, highlighted the importance of the current HK$2 discount on rides for seniors aged 60 and above.

“The current policy goal is to encourage more people aged 60 to 64, or even over 65, to participate in the labour force,” Zhang told a radio show.