Hong Kong’s MTR Corp to raise fines for passengers abusing HK$2 ticket scheme for elderly; authorities to crack down on misuse
- Penalties to be raised from HK$500 to HK$1,000 for heavy rail and from HK$290 to HK$370 for light rail
- MTR Corp to boost ticket inspection as part of citywide joint enforcement operation to combat abuse, labour chief Chris Sun says
Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation will increase penalties for rail passengers who abuse a HK$2 transport subsidy scheme for the elderly while authorities will launch a citywide operation this month to crack down on misuse of the popular concession.
Responding to lawmakers’ calls for a review of the HK$2 (25 US cents) scheme, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Wednesday said authorities would step up measures to deter illegal use of the concessionary fares.
“To step up enforcement actions against abuse of the HK$2 scheme by ineligible persons, the Transport Department will carry out citywide joint enforcement actions with public transport operators within this month,” he said.
“The MTR Corporation will enhance publicity and education, strengthen ticket inspection and impose a surcharge on all ineligible passengers travelling at the concessionary fares, and will raise the surcharge amount.”
He added the penalties would be increased from HK$500 to HK$1,000 on heavy rail services and from HK$290 to HK$370 for light rail.