The elderly bus card is a kind of card that provides free or preferential bus riding for the elderly, and is a welfare policy of the state for the elderly. Recently, the relevant authorities issued a new senior bus card regulation, which aims to improve the travel experience of the elderly and bring new vitality to the public transport system. The main contents of the new regulations include:
- Expand the use of the senior bus card to cover all bus lines in the city;
- Extend the use of the Senior Bus Card from the original morning and evening rush hours to the whole day;
- Simplify the application process of the elderly bus card, and provide online application and recharge services;
- Cancel the regular replacement system of the elderly bus card to reduce unnecessary trouble;
- Increase the number of seats and services for the elderly on buses, such as seating assignment, provision of hot water, etc.;
- Launch of Bus Day to provide one free ride for seniors every weekend.
This new regulation has been widely welcomed and supported, believing that it reflects the society's care and respect for the elderly, and also provides a new direction and ideas for the development of urban public transportation. It not only solves the practical problem of elderly travel, but also promotes the modernization and humanization of the public transport system, and is a model of social progress and humanistic care.
What is a senior bus card?
The elderly bus card is a kind of card specially designed for the elderly to take the bus free or discounted, which is a welfare policy of the state for the elderly. According to the regulations of different regions, the elderly with the elderly bus card can take the bus for free or at half price within a certain range and within a certain period of time. This can not only reduce the financial burden of travel for the elderly, but also encourage them to go out and be active, increasing social participation and quality of life.
The elderly bus card is a social security measure introduced by the mainland since the 90s of last century¹. With the development of social economy and the intensification of population aging, how to meet the travel needs of the elderly has become an important and urgent issue. Therefore, local governments have successively introduced various preferential policies to issue free or discounted ride cards for eligible elderly people. At present, most cities in the mainland have implemented this policy².
What are the new rules?
Recently, the relevant authorities issued a new senior bus card regulation, which aims to improve the travel experience of the elderly and bring new vitality to the public transport system. The new regulations mainly include the following aspects:
1. Expand the scope of use
It turned out that the elderly bus card could only be used on some routes, which caused inconvenience to the elderly to travel. The new regulations expand the use of the elderly bus card to all bus lines in the city, whether it is in the city or suburbs, whether ordinary or fast, the elderly can use the elderly bus card to ride. Doing so makes it easier for seniors to get around and can also increase the capacity and efficiency of the public transport system.
2. Extend the use time
Originally, the senior bus card could only be used during morning and evening rush hours, that is, 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. This is done to avoid the elderly taking the bus during crowded times and to ensure their safety and comfort. However, this also limits travel options for the elderly, sometimes causing unnecessary waiting and waste. The new rules extend the use of the Senior Bus Card to a full day, every hour. Doing so allows seniors to schedule travel according to their needs and preferences, and can also encourage them to travel off-peak and reduce congestion on buses.
3. Simplify the application process
Originally, the senior bus card needed to go to the designated processing point in person, fill in the application form and submit the relevant documents, and then wait for approval and collection. This process is cumbersome and time-consuming. The new rules simplify the process of applying for a senior bus card into an online application and top-up service. Elderly people only need to visit the official website of the bus company or WeChat public account through their mobile phone or computer, enter personal information and ID card number, and apply for a bus card for the elderly. After the application is successful, the elderly can recharge by scanning the code or other methods, and they can use the senior bus card. Doing so allows seniors to apply for bus passes at home, saving time and effort, and reducing the risk of human contact and infection.
4. Cancel the replacement system
Originally, senior bus cards needed to be replaced at regular intervals to prevent damage or loss of the card. This not only causes inconvenience to the elderly, but also increases management costs. The new regulations abolish this system, and the elderly do not need to change their bus cards regularly, as long as the cards are used normally. If there is a problem with the card or needs to be replaced, the elderly can handle it through online services or telephone consultation. Doing so reduces the hassle of the elderly and also saves resources and costs.
5. Increase seating and service
It turns out that there are no seats and services specifically for the elderly on the bus, which sometimes causes inconvenience and discomfort to the elderly. The new rules require that buses must be provided with a certain number of seats for the elderly and that a conspicuous sign reads, "Please give up your seat to the elderly." At the same time, the bus should also provide some intimate services for the elderly, such as arranging seats, providing hot water, playing music, etc. Doing so allows seniors to feel more loved and respected when riding the bus, and also improves their riding experience.
6. Launch Bus Day activities
Originally, the senior bus card can only enjoy free or preferential riding policies, and there are no other special activities or benefits. The new rules introduce a bus day event that provides one free ride to seniors one day a week on the weekend. On this day, seniors can use the Senior Bus Card to ride buses on any line unlimited times and at no charge.
The new regulations for the elderly bus card also reflect the respect and care of society for the elderly. The elderly in society are valuable assets, they carry rich life experience and wisdom, and have made great contributions to the development of society. By giving more rights and preferential treatment to elderly bus card holders, the society expresses respect and care for the elderly, and enhances the cohesion and centripetal force of society.