Transportation
City With World’s Longest Lifespan Rethinks Nearly Free Transit for Elderly
Hong Kong’s decade-old policy of heavily subsidized public transport for pensioners is under scrutiny as costs mount.
A man waits to board the Star Ferry. The Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme was launched in 2012.
Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg
Winnie Chan has no intention of slowing down in retirement, hopping on Hong Kong’s trams, trains, ferries and buses for sightseeing and karaoke thanks to ultra-cheap public transport for pensioners.
“After my 60th birthday, I became the envy of my friends, all thanks to this card,” said Chan, referring to the green tap-on pass that allows her to travel far and wide for HK$2 (26 US cents). “I’m now living an action-packed life.”