‘Fare police’ come in three as anti-fare evasion operation starts next Mon

Starting next Monday (Jun 26), staffers from the Transport Department, public transportation operators as well as contracted security guards will form three-person teams to monitor passengers paying fares on buses, minibuses and ferries throughout the city, the department announced on Friday. 

Deputy Transport Commissioner Macella Lee Sui-chun said staffers from franchised bus companies and ferry companies will be wearing uniforms during the operation that aims to combat the abuse of the HK$2 concessionary transport scheme for senior citizens by ineligible passengers. 

Minibus staffers will display their staff cards as well, Lee noted. She continued that the operation will run for at least two months and the teams will go on patrol during both peak and non-peak hours “almost everyday”. 

Lee added the department will strengthen public education at the same time and appealed to the public to abide by the law, hoping that the arrangements can impose a deterrent effect. 

If any breaches by citizens are spotted, the three-person teams can request passengers to display their identity cards, Octopus cards, and JoyYou cards. 

Depending on the circumstances, cases may be passed to police for investigation or even prosecution, and penalty will include imprisonment. 

Yet, the department didn’t reveal under what circumstances will police initiate prosecution. 

Meanwhile, MTR’s Chief of Operating and Metro Segment Cheris Lee Yuen-ling said the surcharges for fare evasion and illegal use of fare concessions will be raised starting this Sunday (Jun 25). 

The surcharge for heavy rail will increase from HK$500 to HK$1,000, and that for Light Rail and MTR Bus will be raised from HK$290 to HK$370.