3 hours Ago By SCMP Editorial
The HK$2 (US$0.26) concessionary transport fare for the elderly and disabled has to be one of the more enlightened welfare measures. It helps enable the mobility and community participation of an ageing population, of which nearly a quarter is already 65 or older, and more than a third is likely to be within 20-odd years.
For 12 years the scheme has made a real difference to millions of Hongkongers, regardless of means. But questions have been raised about its sustainability, particularly since it was extended to 60-to-64-years-olds in 2022. That raised the number eligible for the HK$2 fare by more than 600,000 in one stroke.
That was a decision taken during pandemic-related hardship and uncertainty. A moment of reflection on those times can make it seem understandable. Now with hindsight it can seem hasty.
Partly as a result, public spending on the subsidy has been rising for three years. In 2023-24 the government paid out HK$3.9 billion in reimbursements to transport operators, with the MTR Corporation and franchised bus companies each receiving more than HK$1.
5 billion. But Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han says there is no intention to cancel the scheme or change its beneficiaries..
