Lowering of age threshold for HK$2 public transport scheme: Hong Kong labour minister dismisses reports of delay, insists on move
- Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong denies earlier reports that extension will be put on hold amid struggling economy
- Move would benefit about 600,000 Hongkongers and could encourage more people in new age category to re-enter workforce
Hong Kong’s labour minister has dismissed reports that a plan to extend a HK$2 public transport scheme to those aged between 60 and 64 would be put on hold, saying the government just needed more time to work out details.
The current scheme is only available for those aged 65 or above. In January, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced the lowering of the age threshold to 60 for those who can use public transport at HK$2 per ride.
The move was expected to cost the government about HK$1.7 billion (US$219.3 million) annually.
But the Post and other media have reported that authorities had considered putting the brakes on the extension to the lower age group because of long-term cost implications, with a government source saying a possible deferral made sense under the economic situation.
