HK$2 fare scheme: 56% of Hongkongers support raising age level, survey finds

More than half of Hongkongers support raising the age threshold for a HK$2 (26 US cents) transport fare scheme for the elderly and residents with disabilities to its original level of 65, a survey by the Democratic Party has found.

The city’s main opposition party said on Sunday its poll showed that changing the public transport scheme would not be a “catastrophe”. But the group called on authorities to release more data.

“Residents are practical, rational and objective, the government should have confidence in them and disclose more transport data to allow more meaningful discussions moving forward,” party chairman Lo Kin-hei said.

The programme is currently under review and has long been considered to be a heavy financial burden on the government, which is now struggling with a deficit expected to reach about HK$100 billion. Some proposals have included raising the age threshold or capping subsidies.

The government reimbursed transport operators more than HK$10 billion in the past five years under the scheme, rising from HK$1.27 billion in 2019-20 to HK$3.99 billion in 2023-24. The amount for this financial year is expected to reach HK$6 billion.

“Our findings show that adjusting the [HK$2] scheme would not necessarily be a catastrophe,” Lo said.

The survey, which was conducted between mid-December last year and early January and covered more than 900 residents, found most respondents agreed that the concessionary fare supported the welfare of elderly residents.