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May 09One drop of niceness: ID for ticket price is now a reality for the Elderly.
While some bus companies had begun using the electronic ID check devise to replace the transportation cost for the aged citizens it had not become fully a reality just until now. The CCSS has stopped the issuing of tickets and discounts destined to the elderly in view of complications the process raises in administration burdens and as it extends over an area of responsibilities which by law do not pertain to the institution.
The application of the special law for the elder person now sees fulfilled one of its most pressing goals: guaranteeing free public transportation to all citizens over the age of 65. As it is disposed, the one thing required from them would be to hand their identification cards to the bus driver so they can swipe it through an electronic device cancelling thus the previous and ancient requirement of an specific toll.
While many companies still have not adhered to the new normative, the CCSS and the National Chamber of Transportation are eyeing possibilities to safeguard and maintain the right of the elderly to travel freely, among them is the chance of actually exercising the usage of over 250,000 tickers that had been issued already for the same means. Other options are also being considered without much detail on them having been released to the press.
The application of this law has been received joyfully by most of the regular users over 65, declaring the sparing of transportation costs does little to alter the difficult financial situation that affects many of them, however dignifies their position as appreciated group within our society. Remains to be seen if similar measures will be taken for the protection of the physically challenged.