Revised $2 transport subsidy scheme to take effect next Friday

Hong Kong will implement the revised HK$2 transport fare concession scheme for the elderly and eligible persons with disabilities starting from next Friday (Apr 3), under which the flat HK$2 rate will only apply to trips with an adult fare of HK$10 or below.

Under the “HK$2 flat rate or 80 percent discount” model, beneficiaries will continue to pay HK$2 for journeys with an adult fare of HK$10 or below, and will have to pay 20 percent of the full fare that exceeds the threshold. 

The new arrangement also applies to interchange journeys. 

Eligibility for the scheme remains unchanged, and beneficiaries may continue to use the JoyYou Card or a personalised Octopus with “Persons with Disabilities Status” to enjoy the concession. 

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han noted that the scheme aims to encourage the elderly and persons with disabilities to participate in community activities and build a more inclusive society. 

He said the revised scheme preserves the policy’s original intent while striking a balance between sustainability and minimizing impact on beneficiaries. 

The government estimated the revised scheme will save around HK$550 million in the coming financial year.

Sun believed that the new arrangement would greatly reduce the problem of riders “taking short trips on long‑distance routes”. Elderly passengers who used to take long cross-district routes for short trips can switch to local short routes, which usually cost HK$10 or less. That leaves long-haul seats for commuters and students. 

He added that authorities have briefed Care Teams and district councillors this morning. Large-scale publicity will be carried out on television, radio, and at over 2,000 locations. Service ambassadors will also be deployed at 75 locations on the launch day to assist the public.  

He noted that the proposed monthly cap of 240 concessionary trips will be introduced next year after technical arrangements are finalized.