Two Thousand Two Hundred | Labour and Welfare Bureau: Scheme to be Implemented Early, Review to be Conducted When Appropriate

SighingCashier · 2026-03-23T12:54:44+00:00

The government announced that starting from April 3rd, the public transport concessions for seniors and eligible persons with disabilities will be adjusted to a "two-dollar, twenty-percent" scheme. This means that for adult fares of 10 dollars or less, passengers still need to pay 2 dollars, while fares exceeding 10 dollars will be calculated at a twenty-percent discount. It is estimated that this can save 550 million dollars in public expenditure in the 2026-27 fiscal year, and the government will closely monitor the implementation effectiveness.

SighingCashier

2026-03-23 12:54:44

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The government announced that starting April 3, the public transportation fare subsidy program for seniors and eligible disabled persons will be adjusted from a flat rate of HKD 2 to “HKD 2 at 20% off,” meaning adult fares of HKD 10 or less will remain at HKD 2, while fares above HKD 10 will be charged at 20% of the adult fare. Transfer rides will also be eligible.

Labour and Welfare Secretary Sun Yuk Han stated that based on the latest estimates, implementing the “HKD 2 at 20% off” scheme could save approximately HKD 550 million in public funds in the upcoming fiscal year. The authorities will closely monitor changes in travel patterns and passenger numbers.

A spokesperson for the Labour and Welfare Bureau responded to inquiries, saying that when the 2023/24 Budget was announced last year, the government expected the “HKD 2 at 20% off” scheme to be implemented no later than September 2026. At that time, it was estimated that the first fiscal year after the adjustment (2027-28) would save about HKD 680 million. After consultations with Octopus Cards Limited and public transport operators, the scheme will be brought forward to April 2026. It is estimated that the first fiscal year after implementation (2026-27) will save about HKD 550 million.

The government will closely monitor the operation of the “HKD 2 at 20% off” dual-benefit scheme, including changes in travel patterns and expenditure, and will review the scheme as appropriate.

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