Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş addressed considerations surrounding the alleged implementation of transportation charges for folks aged over 65. This transfer is available in response to grievances voiced by aged commuters and public transport associations in numerous cities.
In an announcement, Göktaş clarified that there isn’t a intention to impose public transport fees for senior residents. She emphasised {that a} substantial sum of TL 1.7 billion (roughly $62 million) has been allotted to compensate the operators of public-private bus and sea transport providers. This allocation is geared towards enabling disabled and aged residents to entry public transport with none monetary burden.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to offer unwavering support to our disabled and elderly citizens, ensuring their unfettered access to free urban public transport,” Göktaş affirmed.
Under the prevailing coverage, senior residents aged 65 and above, in addition to people with a reported incapacity charge of 40% or increased, are entitled to get pleasure from free journey inside city public transport networks.
Göktaş underscored a current enhancement within the month-to-month earnings help prolonged to personal operators of public buses and sea transport providers catering to disabled and aged passengers. Effective July 1, 2023, a 50% increment was launched. “The per-vehicle payment for private sea transport providers offering urban public transport has been raised to TL 3,375. Moreover, the support for each urban transport vehicle in Ankara and Istanbul now stands at TL 4,500. Similar increments apply to other metropolitan regions, with a support figure of TL 3,375, and a revised TL 2,700 for urban public transport vehicles in non-metropolitan provinces,” she stated.
Reflecting on the ministry’s dedication to inclusivity, Göktaş remarked: “Since 2015, we have disbursed income support amounting to TL 1.74 billion for our disabled and elderly citizens through the framework of free travel initiatives. Our social service endeavors are expansive, encompassing the elderly, the disabled, and all segments of society. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of equitable social participation for all citizens, devoid of any form of discrimination.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
