Metro and Rail Fare Relief for Seniors, Persons with Disabilities Announced
The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount on metro rail and train services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals with special needs. The initiative was officially inaugurated on Monday, May 25, at the Farmgate Metro Station in the capital by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam.
The minister said that citizens aged 65 years and above will be eligible for the concession by showing their National Identity Card (NID), while persons with disabilities or special needs will be able to avail the facility using the ‘Subarna’ identity card issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare. He also revealed that the government is planning to introduce a similar 25 percent fare discount for students after Eid-ul-Azha.
He further stated that to ensure safer Eid travel for women passengers, dedicated women-only coaches have been reserved on two intercity train routes serving Chattogram and Sylhet.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Robiul Alam said, “We have now implemented a 25 percent fare reduction on metro rail services for citizens aged above 65 and for physically and mentally challenged individuals. We are also planning to introduce the same benefit for students. However, the student identity verification process has not yet been finalized. Due to time constraints, we could not implement it immediately. Determining how student identity cards will be verified requires some additional time.”
According to Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, eligible passengers must complete registration through verification of their National Identity Card to receive the concession. After registration, each passenger will receive a unique ID and a confirmation SMS on their mobile phone.
The organization also stated that only one discounted ticket can be purchased against a single National Identity Card for each journey. The discounted ticket will be non-transferable, and eligible passengers will receive priority service while collecting tickets.
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