HKFTU calls for HK$2 fare concession continuation and public transport reforms

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU) has urged that the eligibility for the HK$2 public transport fare concession scheme for the elderly should continue to apply to individuals aged 60 and above. 

They also called for bus companies to implement a segmented fare system.

This announcement follows the union's submission of 61 suggestions to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po ahead of the upcoming Budget.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu said that a segmented fare system could significantly reduce instances of long rides for short distances, potentially saving over HK$100 million in subsidies.

"Bus companies will need to establish a segmented fare chart for each route and install card readers at bus exits, allowing elderly or disabled individuals to tap their cards according to the segmented fare to enjoy the concession,” Tang said. 

"It's very simple; the MTR already does this by dividing the overall fare based on distance and the number of stops," he added, suggesting bus companies could adopt a similar model.

On the topic of civil servant pay cuts, lawmaker Dennis Leung Tsz-wing cautioned that such measures could pressure all workers in Hong Kong to accept salary reductions, leading to stagnation in the local economy. 

He argued that cutting civil servants’ salaries would not improve the financial situation or stimulate Hong Kong's economy, as there are mechanisms in place for adjusting civil servant salaries.

Also, the union has proposed that the government negotiate with central authorities to expand the "multiple-entry permit" to cover more cities, alongside improving retirement protection and optimizing the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) system.

(Marcus Lum)