Crypto Perspectives | "Two Dollar Two Discount" Takes Sustainability into Account, Difficult to Loosen Grip Even with Surplus

SighingCashier · 2026-03-24T01:49:54+00:00

The government will implement a new senior citizen transportation discount scheme called "Two Dollar Two Discount" starting April 3, which limits the "Two Dollar Discount Program" to journeys of 10 yuan or below, to save 550 million yuan in public funds. This move has sparked public concerns, as the controversy over senior citizen transportation discounts has persisted for years.

SighingCashier

2026-03-24 01:49:54

Abstract generation in progress

The government announced that starting next Friday (April 3), the new “Two Dollars, Two Discount” scheme for senior citizens will be officially implemented. The controversial 14-year-old “Binary Fare Subsidy Program” will be tightened, allowing the “Two Dollars Ride” only for trips costing less than 10 dollars. It is estimated that the new fiscal year will save 550 million HKD in public funds.

In recent years, there has been ongoing controversy over senior citizen fare discounts. When the government faced a fiscal deficit crisis two years ago, discussions intensified on how to adjust the “Binary Fare Subsidy Program” to prevent annual public expenditure, which involves billions of HKD, from continuing to grow. Ultimately, the government introduced the “Two Dollars, Two Discount” scheme as a solution.

Government sources stated that this new scheme can achieve a win-win situation. Although the government explained the new plan to the public early last year and provided extensive clarifications afterward, tightening benefits still raises public concerns once the cuts are implemented.

(Excerpt)

Yu Jin-xian, Hong Kong Pulse

Please refer to today’s Hong Kong Economic Journal for the original article.

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