EMTPM scraps bus pass for the over 60, maintains limit of 5-2 elderly per journey – Maputo

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EMTPM scraps bus pass for the over 60, maintains limit of 5-2 elderly per journey – Maputo

2:09 CAT | 16 Feb 2018

Sapo (File photo) /Massingue explained that there is a limit of five elderly people per journey in urban areas and two on inter-urban journeys, such as the Boane, Namaacha, Marracuene and Manhiça routes.

All persons aged 60 or above will from now on only need to present an identity document to benefit from exemption from or reduced fares on trips within or between Maputo and other destinations in the province.

The Municipal Public Transport Company of Maputo (EMTPM) has decided to eliminate the free pass for elderly people making urban and inter-urban journeys, saving them the annual 205 meticais that the pass cost.

The measure does not, however, cover the right to free transit or reduced fares on disabled people, students or former combatants.

According to EMPTM Operations Director Nelson Massingue, quoted by Noticias yesterday, the implementation of this measure comes in compliance with Law 3/2014 of February 5 on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Elderly, which determines that all elderly person be exempt from paying for public transport on presentation of an identity card.

“This is aimed at improving the services provided to passengers, within the framework of the implementation of Law 3/2014 in conjunction with the Regulation of Motor Transport, which advocate that the elderly benefit from urban transport exemption and 50 percent reduction in inter-urban areas,” he said.

Massingue explained that there is a limit of five elderly people per journey in urban areas and two on inter-urban journeys, such as the Boane, Namaacha, Marracuene and Manhiça routes.

“We understand that we have to apply the law in full. Disabled people and former combatants are expected to pay half the cost of the ticket and children under the age of five remain exempt from the fare,” Massingue added.

The requirement for a bus pass was inconvenient for users, having to be renewed annually and, considering the poverty in which many of the elderly live, financially onerous too.

Source: AIM Moçambique / Rádio Moçambique