【明報專訊】In July 2008, the government implemented the Cross-District Transport Support Scheme (跨區交通費支援計劃), under which legally employed Hong Kong workers living in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, North District or outlying islands are eligible to transport allowances. To be eligible, an applicant must earn less than $6,500 and work no less than 72 hours a month.
In his 2011 Policy Address, Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced the government would launch a new scheme to allow all eligible Hong Kong employees transport subsidies regardless of where they live. Each would receive $600 a month. Tsang pointed out that heavy transport cost had put pressure on workers in the lower income brackets. The government has replaced the old scheme to lighten their burdens and encourage continuous employment.
Legco has called a special meeting and invited groups and members of the public to comment on the new scheme. Many have urged the government to impose fewer restrictions on eligibility. Commissioner for Labour Cherry Tse (勞工署長謝凌潔貞) has said restrictions are necessary to maintain fairness and equality. Vice Chairman of the Kowloon West Branch of the Civic Party Stanley Chan Yau-cheong (公民黨九龍西副主席陳友昌) has criticised the government for failing to take fare increases into account, saying the subsidy should rise with fares.
■Keywords
income group 收入組別
social welfare 社會福利
subsidy 津貼
■Further readings
HKSAR Labour Department: www.tss.labour.gov.hk/gui_big5/detail/content.html
■Questions
1. How is the new scheme different from the old one?
2. What are various stakeholders' views?
3. What benefits other than the transport subsidy do you think the government should increase?
