HK$2 rides a boon for Hong Kong elderly, but abuse of subsidy scheme needs fixing before those aged 60-64 benefit too
- After waiting a year, some are dismayed by delay in extending flat-rate fares to ‘younger seniors’
- New tickets will show names, photos to prevent cheats abusing travel cards for elderly
Retired driver Mak Nam, 63, looked forward to spending less on public transport after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced early last year that subsidies for elderly residents would be extended to everyone from age 60.
“I could save a lot on transport,” said the widower with no children, who lives on social welfare and takes on part-time work.
Now he is disappointed that the scheme, which allows those over 65 to pay a flat HK$2 per ride on designated public transport, will not be extended to younger seniors for another year.
Labour and welfare minister Law Chi-kwong announced last month that the plan would be deferred so about 600,000 eligible residents aged 60 to 64 could get personalised Octopus cards bearing their name and photograph.
He said the new cards were needed to prevent abuse of the subsidy scheme. Residents aged 65 and above will also have to get new travel cards by 2024. Anonymous Octopus cards for the elderly currently can be bought and used by anyone, although those caught abusing the scheme can be fined or prosecuted.
Mak, who lives in Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui, said the HK$2 scheme would allow him to go out more often to look for work or meet friends.