A revised transport fare scheme in Hong Kong has raised concerns among low-income elderly residents, with some avoiding higher-charging buses. The government claims the new scheme has gone smoothly, but critics argue it will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

Hong Kong’s elderly residents have raised concerns about the financial burden placed on their low-income peers under the revised HK$2 (26 US cents) transport fare scheme that came into force on Friday, with some avoiding higher-charging, long-route buses. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said the implementation of the new arrangements had gone smoothly on the first day. He also stressed that the government was still subsidising a large part of the fares and the saved funds...