Those over 60 must use JoyYou card from Sunday for $2 fare

Henry Siu

Senior citizens aged 60 and above will need to use a JoyYou card to benefit from the government's HK$2 concessionary fare scheme starting Sunday, according to MTR officials.

Currently, about 80,000 eligible seniors who have not applied for the JoyYou card will be unable to enjoy this discounted fare.

MTR reported that only passengers aged 65 and above can receive a fare reduction if they use an elderly Octopus card, while those aged 60 to 64 will pay the full adult fare without a JoyYou card.

Presently, residents aged 65 or older can travel on designated transport services for HK$2 per trip, using either the JoyYou card or their anonymous elder Octopus card.

In contrast, residents aged 60 to 64 are required to use the JoyYou card to qualify for the discount.

As of mid-August, the Labor and Welfare Bureau and the Transport Department reported approximately 1.33 million JoyYou card applications from seniors aged 65 and older, representing 94 percent of that population group.

Among the 80,000 elderly who have yet to apply, the majority are over 80 years old, with about half residing in care homes.

The application process takes about four weeks, MTR said. Applications can be submitted via the Octopus App or by mailing in the application form. Forms are also available at most MTR and Light Rail customer service centers. To assist with JoyYou Card applications, the government has established eight temporary service centers throughout the city until August 31.

Each applicant will receive only one JoyYou card linked to their HKID.

The Society for Community Organization called for enhanced government support for the elderly when applying for such services, and proposed the establishment of regular digital support, given the increasing number of public services that require online applications.

henry.siu@singtaonewscorp.com