PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONCESSION PASS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONCESSION PASS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

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(Review): **

50.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Transport in view of the rising retirement age and lower wages of elderly workers, whether his Ministry will consider extending bus and MRT concession rates for senior citizens to include peak hours.

Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat: Concessionary travel for senior citizens is granted by the public transport operators.

The operators have been extending the concession hours for senior citizens over the years. For example, in 2005, the concession period was extended such that senior citizens could enjoy concession fares an hour earlier on weekdays, starting from 9 am instead of 10 am. Full day concessions currently apply for weekends and public holidays.

The cost of such concessions is borne by the operators and ultimately cross- subsidised by other full-fare paying adults. Hence, the operators have to take this into consideration when extending concessions. Nonetheless, my Ministry will continue to monitor this issue and work with the public transport operators to review the concession hours.

Whatever the concessionary hours, some senior citizens would need more targeted help. Under our 'Many Helping Hands' approach, needy senior citizens can get help from the ComCare Fund and other community assistance schemes. The Government will also commit $10 million to a Public Transport Fund in October 2007 to be given out over three years to provide additional help to lower-income households.

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