Hong Kong’s HK$2 fare scheme for elderly residents should be adjusted by offering those aged 60 to 65 only limited usage, a top government adviser has said, while the city’s finance chief has described the concession as “unfeasible” in the long run.
Lam, the CEO of the charity Haven of Hope Christian Service, on Sunday proposed differentiating concessions for those aged between 60 and 65, and 65 and older, suggesting measures such setting a monthly usage cap or integrating the scheme with other transport subsidies.
He said when the city faced a budget deficit alongside an ageing population, the cost of the scheme would continue to rise.
“We want those aged 60 to continue working and contributing to society, since their physical condition now is so much better – at least the definition of ‘elderly’ should be 65 and above,” Lam told a radio programme on Sunday.
