Hong Kong Netizen Criticizes GrandmotherS Short Bus Trip, Igniting Debate Over Public Transport Costs for Seniors

YUEN LONG, HONG KONG – A social media post criticizing an elderly woman for taking a short ride on the 968 bus route through the Western Harbour Tunnel has sparked a heated online debate about the cost of public transportation for seniors in Hong Kong. The original poster, identified as honey.202511 on Threads, questioned the woman’s use of the $2 fare, claiming it cost taxpayers HK$25 per ride.

The Incident and Initial Outcry

The post,which included a photograph of the bus’s route display showing “Yi Wah Street,Causeway Bay” and SOGO department store,detailed the observation of a grandmother boarding the 968 bus at Yuen long West and disembarking at lek Street. The full journey costs HK$27, but with the existing fare concession for seniors, the cost is reduced too HK$2. The original poster argued this represented a significant cost to taxpayers, urging someone to “teach her not to take short daily cars.”

Bus Driver and Public Response

The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from both sides of the argument. A bus driver with two years of experience on the 968 route commented, stating they witness similar situations daily but are unable to intervene. Some netizens echoed the original poster’s sentiment, suggesting a minimum fare should be implemented. Though, the majority of commenters defended the elderly woman, emphasizing the physical challenges many seniors face.

Empathy and Underlying Health Concerns

Many users pointed out that elderly individuals frequently enough experience mobility issues such as knee degeneration and leg pain, making even short walks difficult. They questioned the practicality of expecting seniors to wait extended periods for cheaper fares, asking if the poster would want their own parents to endure such conditions. “So you want the old man how? Standing in the street to wait for more 100 or 20 minutes, wait for the frame cheaper the fare first?… if you are in your parents, will you let him stand on the street and wait for more than 20 minutes?…” one commenter wrote.

Clarification on Fare Subsidies

Several netizens corrected the original poster’s calculation of the taxpayer subsidy. With the 50% fare concession for seniors, the actual subsidy is approximately HK$11.50 per ride. Furthermore,questions were raised about the accuracy of the original poster’s information,noting the bus route displayed on the screen indicated a destination in Causeway Bay,not Yuen Long,suggesting a possible misdirection.

Government Fare Concessions and Future Changes

The debate comes as the Hong Kong government prepares to accelerate the implementation of the “two-yuan, two discounts” plan, offering a 20% discount on fares exceeding HK$10 for seniors aged 65 and over. Originally slated for April 2026, the plan will now be implemented approximately five months earlier, saving an additional HK$260 million. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of public transport for Hong Kong’s growing elderly population. The current scheme provides a flat HK$2 fare for eligible seniors on most bus routes.

Source: honey.202511＠Threads