Free transport for elderly on Sharjah public buses

sharjah — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Sharjah has launched a new initiative whereby elderly people will be exempted from transport fees on public buses.

A lower tariff will be charged on the taxis assigned for the people of determination as per the initiative, according to a senior official.

Yusuf Sulaiman Al Hammadi, director of procurement and administrative services with the authority, said the ‘age-considering public transport’ drive is in support to the emirate’s effort to show consideration to elderly people.

“Sharjah has become the first Arab city to be eligible to this international consideration in line with the Year of Zayed.”

The gesture is in pursuance of the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to turn the emirate into an elderlyfriendly city, he added.

“The emirate has won the title of the city friendly for people with motor disabilities and amputations by the World Federation of the Disabled.”

This has been the fruit of a joint tireless work of a number of government entities, including RTA Sharjah, he explained.

“Special permits will be soon issued for the beneficiary people,” he said. “Until these special cards are issued, elderly people and children can show their ID cards when booking tickets.”

The people with disabilities can avail of the same discounts and special tariffs by simply showing their Disabled ID cards, he said.

Hassan Abdallah, a 62-year-old Egyptian resident staying close to Al Jubail bus station, said the initiative would help people like him use public transport more often.