Call for free public transport

PEOPLE Against Petrol and Parafin Price Increase (PAPPPI) has called on government to introduce transport coupons for senior citizens and scholars, including students.

Speaking on behalf of PAPPPI, national convenor, Visvin Reddy said the recent exhorbitant fuel price increases were responsible for a hike in public transport fares.

“A pensioner who relies on a government grant to make ends meet cannot afford the taxi and bus increases to get to SASSA or post offices to collect their grant or travel to the shops to buy groceries. The increased transport tariffs have not been budgeted for and PAPPPI believes this will force our seniors to cut back on other essentials. Food prices have gone up as a result of the fuel increases adding to the burden carried by pensioners,” he said.

He said students, who were recipients of NFSAS funding, did not receive a transport allowance. “With the increased cost of public transport, they will not be able to afford to go to tertiary institutions, forcing many to fail,” he said, adding that parents of scholars who use public transport were also finding it difficult to factor in the increased fares.

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“The increased fuel prices are having a detrimental effect on our pensioners, students and scholars and will lead to them facing tremendous hardships. Our key imperative as government to improve the lives of the marginalised and less fortunate in society is quickly being eroded,” said Reddy.

PAPPPI has proposed that all pensioners, students and scholars be afforded free public transport, which may be implemented through a coupon scheme. According to the organisation, the funds for its implementation must be sourced by cutting back on irrelevant and wasteful expenditure from government departments.

“This system used to be applicable to whites during the apartheid days and should be made available to all South Africans who fall in the identified categories,” he said.

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