Why does Hong Kong need 18 months to revise HK$2 public transport scheme?

A Hong Kong public transport subsidy scheme will only start charging elderly and passengers with disabilities 20 per cent for more expensive routes from September of next year, with authorities blaming stored-value card company Octopus for the delay, the Post has learned.

The HK$2 (US$0.26) concession scheme is being revised as part of spending cuts involving scaling back transport subsidies. The decision was announced on Wednesday’s budget and will help to save HK$6 billion in public money over a five-year period.

Under the revised policy, elderly commuters and people with disabilities will need to pay 20 per cent of a fare if it surpasses HK$10. Any trip below the threshold will only cost them HK$2.

A government source said the changes could not take effect immediately due to Octopus lacking the needed technical capabilities.

Another source said the 18-month period was a prediction based on a timeframe for replacing Octopus cards with JoyYou ones.

The arrangement will require a system update, with authorities to reach out to the relevant operators to discuss the technical requirements.