SENIOR CITIZENS' CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider lengthening the period for senior citizens' concessionary travel on public transport which is 10 am to 4 pm in the day time to 9 am to 5 pm.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, concessionary travel for senior citizens is granted by the public transport operators to help senior citizens defray some of their transport cost. This concession is for travel during off-peak hours, buses and trains are usually crowded at peak hours, which makes travel for senior citizens more difficult.

Any decision to change or extend the concession as suggested by the Member is a matter for the operators to make. They will need to study the implications of the request carefully. This is because the cost of such concessions is borne by other passengers who pay the full fare.