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| Trams, buses and the MTR will be free December 19 |
In order to boost the voter turnout at the polls next Sunday, the government has made all trams, trains, and buses free that day.
The scheme will cost an estimated HK$35 million (US$4.5 million), and the government did not say whether it will reimburse the companies involved.
Passengers on the MTR will not need to tap in to use the train, as well as KMB, New World First Bus, Citybus and Hong Kong Tramways.
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| Some operators say they are forced to waive fares |
However, the free rides won't be available on airport and border routes, overnight services, KMB's luxury buses, or most routes covering south Lantau. Minibuses, or Kaito ferry services.
"MTR will closely monitor train service on that day and implement appropriate operational measures to meet passenger demand. There will also be additional staff assisting passengers at stations," the company said.
A spokesman for one transport concern group warned that "many people will just make use of the free rides for touring around the city."
Some transport operators agree, saying they were effectively being forced to bear the cost of forgone revenue.
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| Minibuses, ferries are not involved in the scheme |
It is strange for the government to make this offer in order to entice people to vote, since their polling station is walking distance from their homes...
