Getting around for two dollars per trip

Today is Sunday. Are you planning to take a little excursion, my dear "old friends"? Here is a gentle reminder for you - starting from today, you can travel on ferries for just $2 per trip.

As announced earlier by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the third phase of the Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities starts today. From now on, elderly people aged 65 or above can get around by ferries, as well as buses operated by New Lantao Bus, for just $2 per trip. My colleagues tell me that many "old friends" have already enjoyed the new concession this morning.

The Scheme stands to benefit more than 980 000 elderly people aged 65 or above and 130 000 eligible persons with disabilities. Since its implementation beneficiaries of the Scheme have found it very effective in helping them to get around and expand their living circles. According to the latest figures, the average number of passenger trips under the Scheme exceeds 600 000 each day. With the launch of the third phase, the Scheme has been further extended to cover nearly 20 additional bus routes and 20 ferry routes. In other words, the scope of the Scheme is now wide enough to cover over 70 per cent of daily public transport patronage.

The Government will continue its efforts to improve elderly people's quality of life. We will promote a culture of respecting, loving and caring for the elderly, and work towards fostering a greater sense of worthiness among them. As a people-oriented government we will also provide further support for the disabled and the disadvantaged to enhance social integration. We will mobilise the community to bring about social progress.

Indeed, nothing about people's livelihoods is trivial. My team and I are committed to improving your livelihoods and we will do our best to meet your aspirations.

March 3, 2013