Opinion | Just move Hong Kong’s HK$2 transport fare qualifying age back to 65
Policy errors made by previous leaders need to be acknowledged, so the city can course-correct and achieve savings immediately

The concessionary HK$2 transport fare scheme for the elderly and persons with disabilities began life with clear objectives and manageable costs. It was well intentioned and made a meaningful difference to the lives of the intended beneficiaries.
The plan was imaginative and socially significant. It is easy for seniors to gradually become disengaged from the wider community, especially after retirement when they have less reason to venture out of their homes and less income with which to do so. This can accelerate their mental, and then physical, decline.
Capping the cost of public transport at HK$2 (26 US cents) per trip removes any disincentive and indirectly encourages a more active and healthier retirement. Setting the qualifying age at 65 was in line with the widely accepted retirement age at the time, which also coincided with eligibility for various welfare payments.