The concessionary fare under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly & Eligible Persons with Disabilities, known as the $2 Scheme, is adjusted to a “$2 flat rate or 80% discount” starting today.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun observed the implementation of the new arrangement this morning and told the media afterwards that operations are running smoothly.

“Today, April 3, is the date when the '$2 flat rate or 80% discount' is officially launched. For minibus and for buses, the launch time is midnight today. For the MTR, it starts from the first train which departed their terminal at 5:30 this morning,” Mr Sun stated.

“So far, based on our territory wide promotion and also my own personal contact with the elderly through my visit to Wong Tai Sin wet market, and also in restaurants, most of them are familiar with the operation of now the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’.”

Mr Sun noted that arrangements are being made to promote the adjustment to users.

“Apart from today, in 75 spots in Hong Kong, we are stationing the ambassadors for the total of three weeks. They are in the spots to help answer questions about the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’,” he added.

“Apart from that, we have had the support of district council members, the (District Services & Community) Care Teams members and also staff from our welfare NGOs, they are using their own way to explain the operation of the ‘$2 flat rate or 80% discount’.”

“We are pretty confident that the scheme will start being launched smoothly and for those who will be using the new arrangement, they know about the operation,” Mr Sun said.