I am writing in response to your report, “ Transport discount scheme could be linked to inflation ” (January 18), on how the government is proposing to raise the flat-rate fare for those aged above 60. Such an act would be unreasonable not only for the elderly but for all residents, since the move is related to Hongkongers’ welfare. The transport discount scheme is a protection provided to the elderly, many of whom have a hard life without receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. Transport fees have been a financial burden on the elderly who live in remote areas and who could spend around HK$30 on travel each day. It is obvious that transport costs are not an insignificant part of their daily expenses, not to mention that the old-age allowance they receive from the government can barely sustain them. Given all hardships they face in their daily lives, they rely heavily on help from the government. The young are often told that we need to give back to the older generations for their contributions. By cutting off help provided to the elderly, are meeting our responsibilities? The government shouldn’t use inflation as an excuse to take away elderly welfare. Instead, in these hard times amid the pandemic, not only the government but also the wider society should work harder to take care of the elderly. After emerging from the prolonged social unrest, one would expect the Hong Kong government to have learned a lesson and started paying attention to the residents’ needs. However, rather than repairing the relationship with Hongkongers, the government has decided to cut back on welfare. As the economy has been hit by the pandemic, it is clear that sustaining the government’s financial reserves has become a tough mission. However, it is ironic when the government places such a high value on the construction sector that it chooses to sacrifice social welfare while sustaining vanity infrastructure projects. Christy Lam, Sai Kung