Chairman of the Dr Eric Williams Memorial Committee, Reginald Vidale, has renewed his call for senior citizens to be allowed to travel for free, or for them to be granted a reduced fare for travel on the air-bridge between Trinidad and Tobago.The call comes in wake of tearful pleas by elderly people for an ease in the woes they experience as they utilise the free ferry service between both islands. Speaking to the T&T Guardian last week, Vidale said although senior citizens have been granted free travel on the sea bridge, the conditions they face are physically taxing and rough on them during the two and half hour ride.
Senior citizens aged 65 and over are allowed to free travel on the ferry between both islands. Although there is no charge, a ticket is still required for travel and senior citizens must produce a photo identification to validate their age and nationality, whilst vehicle charges are applicable for travel both ways.But after witnessing the discomfort encountered by some ill and feeble citizens during a ferry ride to Tobago last year, Vidale wrote to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on September 12, 2013, highlighting the issue and requesting an intervention.He received a reply on September 16, 2013, acknowledging his letter and a promise that the matter would be referred to Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz to be addressed.
Vidale said following discussions with Cadiz, he learnt the matter did not fall under his purview and would be forwarded to Trade and Industry Minister Vasant Bharath. After checks revealed Bharath's ministry was not responsible, the issue was then referred to Finance Minister Larry Howai, where it remains."Although the sea bridge allows senior citizens to travel for free, they can't handle it," Vidale said, referring to the rough ride and lack of amenities that cater to people in this age bracket. He said many people suffered untold agonies during the boat ride, especially when rains cause ough seas.Saying many senior citizens "were ready to give back their pass to the government," Vidale suggested the option of a subsidised fare on the air-bridge. Admitting the current fare of $300 for a return ticket was already "heavily subsidised," Vidale said if it was not possible for senior citizens to travel for free, then special provisions should be made for them.
Calling for this category of citizens to be treated with respect, Vidale said, "They were major contributors to the country's development and should be treated in a different way. They can't use it (sea bridge) because of their infirmity and physical conditions. Let them enjoy an alternative means of transport."Up to last friday, Vidale had not received any response from Howai. He said he decided to go public with the matter as he is the PM will get Howai to address it in the 2014/2015 budget presentation on September 8.