First subsidy collection after temporary relaxation of monthly threshold of Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme to $200 available from August 16

     The Transport Department today (August 14) reminded members of the public that the Government has temporarily relaxed the monthly threshold of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme to $200 from July 1 for six months till December 31. Commuters may collect the public transport fare subsidy for July starting from August 16.  
 
     The local economy has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a view to further alleviating commuters' fare burden amidst the pandemic situation, the Government has temporarily relaxed the monthly threshold for calculation of the subsidy from $400 to $200 from July 1 to December 31, 2020. The Government provides a subsidy amounting to one-third of the actual public transport expenses in excess of $200, subject to a maximum of $400 per month for each Octopus.

     Commuters may collect the subsidy through the following channels:
(i) Subsidy Collection Points installed at MTR stations, Light Rail Customer Service Centres, designated public transport interchanges and designated ferry piers;
(ii) Octopus readers at any outlet of 7-Eleven, Circle K and Wellcome supermarket;
(iii) Octopus Service Points; or
(iv) the Octopus App.
 
     The subsidy for each month is valid for collection within three months. Hence, members of the public can collect the subsidy for July from August 16 to November 15.

     Commuters can check their record of public transport expenses and subsidy amounts through the website of the Scheme (www.ptfss.gov.hk), the Octopus App or the Scheme hotline 2969 5500. For enquires about the details of the Scheme, please browse through the website of the Scheme or call 1823.