Make the most of HK$2 public transport fares in Hong Kong for seniors with a loop-the-loop day tour of the city, and save enough for a free lunch

From February 27 concessionary public transport fares have been extended to residents aged 60-64, meaning most journeys cost just HK$2 (25 US cents)

We propose a grand tour of Hong Kong – 11 trips by bus, minibus and ferry, with savings on the regular fares enough that lunch will feel like it’s free

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Lei Yue Mun waterfront is a popular spot for locals to fish from. The rest of us prefer the fish served at the hamlet’s seafood stalls. Lei Yue Mun is a stop on the Post’s ‘Two-Buck Challenge’ day trip. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 4:15pm, 27 Feb 2022

There may well be no such thing as a free lunch, but in Hong Kong there’s the next best thing – a free ride. Lots of free rides. Well, almost free.

Under the Fare Concession Scheme for “elderly and eligible persons”, from February 27 onwards residents aged 60 t0 64 (no longer just those 65 and over) can make a journey anywhere in Hong Kong’s 1,110 sq km (429 square miles) and using any means of transport for HK$2 (25 US cents).

Just show an Octopus JoyYou stored value card and trips on the MTR subway system, Light Rail, ferries, kaito, franchised buses and red and green minibuses are yours for the price of a local postage stamp. On Hong Kong Island’s trams, the concessionary fare of HK$1.20 will apply to those aged 60 to 64.

Aged 60-something, I prefer to think of myself as eligible rather than elderly, and I’m certainly ready, willing and able to take on the “Two-Buck Challenge”: travel as far as you reasonably can in a single day and quietly gloat over the savings. As the old advertising slogan had it, getting there is half the fun.

A looping journey of Hong Kong is possible at HK$2 a leg, for the over 60s. Photo: SCMP

So, with JoyYou, face mask, smartphone and a list of favourite haunts to hand, I’m planning to take the first step and board a ferry as soon as dawn breaks on the 27th.

Here is one possible day trip worth taking.