Octopus Rehabilitation Transportation Subsidy Scheme
Enables Low-income Wheelchair Users to Expand Social Circles
Beyond Attending Medical Appointments

 

(Hong Kong, 25 April 2018) The Octopus Rehabilitation Transportation Subsidy Scheme (ORTSS) released its annual survey results, indicating that low-income wheelchair users are looking to join social activities beyond attending medical appointments through the point to point transportation service provided by the ORTSS.

According to the survey respondents, although 88% of the trips under the ORTSS used by members are for medical appointments, they are also looking to leverage on the service to expand their social circles – including family gatherings, outings and interest classes, echoing ORTSS’ motto to “promoting equal use of point-to-point transportation by all while serving with love and enriching life”, in advocating social inclusiveness among all community stakeholders.

Mr Sky Ho, a member under the ORTSS since the debut of the ORTSS, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has been using wheelchair for the past two decades, said the Scheme helps him enjoy a life beyond his physical constraints, which he believes should not confine his social circle. “Previously, I cannot manage my time very well, and I needed to spend a few hours each week just to travel to and from Tseung Kwan O to Shek Kip Mei for my drama rehearsal. ORTSS helps me to manage my time better, allows me to develop a deeper bonding to my personal interests, and integrates with the society like other people,” shared Sky. He also participates in volunteering activities to share his experience, encouraging others to enrich their lives.

Since its debut in April 2014, the ORTSS jointly organised by Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) and the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR), has provided 29,525 trips via the Accessible Hire Car (AHC) service to the low-income wheelchair users. The ORTSS was originated as a three-year programme, and was extended until December 2018 in view of the service demand by increasing number of wheelchair users due to ageing population in the community. Currently, the ORTSS has 2,760 members. The AHC service can accommodate two wheelchair users, plus two family members or caregivers for each ride, keeping the wheelchair users company along the way.

The annual ORTSS Users’ Survey, carried out between January and March 2018 with 210 responses, aims to understand the usage details and feedback from the members, vast majority (98 percent) of the respondents agreed that ORTSS helps cater their transportation needs; 92 percent of respondents agreed that the scheme motivated them to go out. The respondents also scored a 4.36 points out of five, with an encouraging increment of 10 percent from last year, as the satisfaction rate to the ORTSS. The members also commented that the scheme can help people in need, reduce their economic burdens, and enhance members’ daily mobility and encourage their social activities’ participation. They are happy to recommend the plan to other qualified persons and join activities organised through the scheme.

The donation of HK$7.3 million from the Octopus Charity Fund subsidising the scheme from 1 April 2014 to 31 December 2018 aims to provide low-income wheelchair users with point-to-point accessible transportation services, to meet their needs of outings for hospital appointments and participation in social activities, to facilitate their integration into the community, in turn helping to build a caring and inclusive society.

For enquiries and the designated booking hotline, please call 8106 8098. For more information, please visit the scheme website at https://www.rehabsociety.org.hk/transport/ahc/octopus.