Lawmakers have mixed reactions towards the rumoured changes on the HK$2 fare concessionary scheme for the elderly.

According to sources, officials are mulling to impose a cap of eight trips per day for citizens aged 60 or above.

It's thought while the fare stays at HK$2 for public transport rides costing HK$10 or less, the government would provide an 80 percent discount when the standard fare is above HK$10.

Bill Tang welcomed the rumoured amendment, and believes it could help solve the bottomless subsidy pit.

"I think it would affect two types of people, for those who have to pay more - One is those who go to work everyday. I think they can afford the fare increment from HK$2 to HK$3 or HK$4," he said.

"The other is those who have to travel across multiple districts to take care of their grandchildren."

The Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker hopes the government could review the threshold of HK$10 should transportation fares continue to rise.

Roundtable legislator Michael Tien said he would also welcome the rumoured changes, adding that it would be better than increasing the HK$2 fare itself.

"The benefit of that is that it sets a mechanism, so that it automatically adjusts itself for the next 100, 200 years, rather than arguing about when they have to change that again," he said.

"Changing it into a percentage would be the best thing."

Tik Chi-yuen from Third Side, on the other hand, believed that the rumoured amendment would not have a significant impact in reducing government expenses.

"Based on our observations, very few elderly take eight trips per day," he told reporters after a Commercial Radio programme.

If only a few people take more than eight journeys, economically, the measure has no impact. But this will cause unease among the public and it's unnecessary."