MTC bus conductors at loggerheads with elderly over ID proof to commute for free

As per the scheme launched by the government in February this year, senior citizens aged above 60 years can avail of 10 free tokens per month to travel for free in all MTC buses except AC buses. MTC officials say though they had already instructed the beneficiaries to carry at least one proof of identity such as Aadhar card to avoid malpractice and for hassle-free travel, many senior citizens were not lending their ear to their appeals. An MTC conductor said though the senior citizens were aware of the procedure, on many occasions they pretend as if they did not know about it. “Checking inspectors have given us strict instruction not to allow the beneficiaries without a valid identity proof to travel for free and charge them the regular fare. We have been asked to make them get down from the bus, but the elderly get into an argument with us if we insist on the proof,” he said.  However, A Kanagammal, a senior citizen of Chintadripet, who had to pay the regular fare despite having the token, said she was not aware of mandatory ID proof. “I paid once. After that, I started carrying the proof,” she said. 

When DTNext contacted, V Krishnamoorthy, Managing Director, MTC said, “We have already given clear instructions that senior citizens should show an identity proof to the conductors. In the beginning, we showed leniency towards senior citizens, but they cannot take it for granted forever.”