Patronage for MTC coupons to elders dips

According to the official data, nearly 3.18 lakh senior citizens had citizens availed of the service right after its introduction, for trips in the MTC buses across the city and adjoining regions.

In the last two years, however, the number fell to around 1.80 lakh. The reasons for the decline, however, remains unknown. A senior commuter said, “Travelling by buses are no longer convenient since the authorities realigned bus routes and made the services erratic at various places. Other alternate modes of transport have become convenient and affordable in comparison to buses.” A senior citizen from Anna Nagar said, “Very few people opt for the service because the process one has to follow to get the free coupons is complex.”

“The Corporation asks for a copy of Aadhaar and ration cards as a valid proof of identity. The transport-utility should desist from asking for Aadhaar cards. Also, the authorities usually withhold identity proof of beneficiaries at the time of renewal. Even this process should be changed to encourage the public,” the elderly added. Meanwhile, a senior MTC official said, “The dip in number cannot be attributed to any particular reason. We have maintained a count close to 2 lakh all this while.”

The official added that when government schemes are introduced, they always enjoy good patronage during the initial days, but the momentum slows down after some time.

Under this scheme, people over sixty can apply for tokens at designated bus stands and depots. Ten tokens will be issued every month to every senior citizen. The beneficiaries can travel in all the MTC buses irrespective of categories