May 04, 2012

The $2 transport concession for seniors and the disabled will launch at the end of June, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.
 
Speaking to the media today, Mr Cheung said the Government will phase in the scheme according to the operator’s technical readiness, so people can benefit as soon as possible.
 
In the 2011-12 Policy Address, the Government proposed allowing people aged 65 or above, and the disabled, to travel on general MTR lines, and franchised bus and ferry routes for $2 a trip.
 
Mr Cheung said the first operator to launch the subsidy will be the MTR in June or July, subject to funding approval from the Legislative Council. It will be followed by Kowloon Motor Bus, Long Win Bus, Citybus and New World First Bus in mid-September.
 
New Lantao Bus and operators running the franchised and major licensed ferry services will have the concession early next year.
 
Mr Cheung said the scheme will benefit 980,000 elderly and 130,000 disabled.
 
He said the cost of reimbursement will be $400 million in 2013-14, and the Government will review the scheme in three years after full implementation.