The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) supports all initiatives to develop the potentials of people with disabilities to enable their full integration into society and welcomes the announcement of concessionary fares for people with disabilities by the MTR Corporation today (21 May 2009).

 

Mr. Raymond TANG, Chairperson of the EOC, said, “This Half Fare Promotion Scheme by the MTR Corporation will assist the social integration of people with disabilities and relieving their financial burden. This policy will also set an example for other transport operators in Hong Kong to consider offering similar schemes for people with disabilities.”

 

“The EOC will work closely with the Government in making any necessary statutory amendments to facilitate the implementation of the scheme. In the past years, the EOC has lent our staunch support to the disability community’s campaign for the provision of concessionary public transport fares for people with disabilities. We have made various submissions to the Legco’s Subcommittee to Study the Transport Needs of and Provision of Concessionary Public Transport Fares for Persons with Disabilities to put the scheme in place.”

 

“Accessible transport is a vital necessity for the less privileged groups in our community and it plays an important role in enabling social inclusion. The introduction of concessionary fares enables our society to respond to the needs of people with disabilities.” Mr. TANG emphasized.

 

Media enquiries: Mr. Sam HO (Tel : 2106-2187)

 

 

21 May 2009

Equal Opportunities Commission