Talk of the town : Transport fare subsidy for Hong Kong commuters
【明報專訊】The government introduced the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme in 2019 to alleviate the financial burden on citizens in relation to transport fares. Starting from the 16th of each month, commuters can collect the public transport fare subsidy of the previous month by tapping their Octopus cards through the subsidy collection points installed at each MTR station. Did you receive yours? Go and tap your card on the reader to check!
The scheme is mainly for commuters who travel on local public transport services for the daily commute and whose public transport expenses are relatively high. During the pandemic, the government implemented temporary special measures to lower the monthly threshold of the scheme and increase the monthly subsidy cap. It will remain in force until October 2023.
Eligibility of the scheme
The scheme is simple and benefits all commuters regardless of their age and background. Commuters are eligible for the scheme if the requirements on monthly public transport expenses are met.
The scheme is applicable to public transport including the MTR, franchised buses, green minibuses, ferries, trams, some routes of red minibuses, kaitos (街渡, a type of small ferry that operates in Hong Kong) and non-franchised buses providing services for residents and employees approved by the Transport Department.
Benefits of the scheme
The scheme not only helps Hong Hong citizens alleviate the fare burden, but also encourages more people to utilize public transport, contributing to the creation of a greener Hong Kong. As of August 2023, a total subsidy amount of around $380 million had been distributed and 3.34 million people had benefited from the scheme.
■Grammar Booster
Regardless of
"Regardless of" is an expression, which means treating something or somebody as not being important.
E.g. The community welcomes all newcomers regardless of age, gender or cultural background.
■Gear up
Which day of each month can commuters collect the public transport fare subsidy of the previous month?
A. 1st
B. 16th
C. 30th
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
commuter (n) 上班族/乘車者
alleviate (v) 緩和
threshold (n) 門檻
benefit (v/n) 得益/利益
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第389期]
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