‘Free public transport’ letter from retirees to government
Kazım Ergün, President of the Turkish Pensioners Association (TÜED), sent a letter to the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, requesting that the problems experienced by people aged 65 and over when using their pension be resolved. right to free public transport in the city is eliminated.
In his letter, Ergün stated that the right of citizens aged 65 or older and those with a disability of 40 percent or more to benefit from free urban public transportation is regulated by law.
Recalling that in many provinces private public bus operators violate the right to free transportation of people over 65 years of age by citing cost increases, Ergün noted the following in his letter:
“During the period in which the constitutionally and legally guaranteed right to transportation was maintained, the material and moral support of our Ministry of Family and Social Services was admirable. At this point today, it is clear that this beautiful service is destined to be disrupted by some private public bus owners providing public transport services. “Our retirees and elderly people have informed our organization that unpleasant incidents have occurred in some of our provinces as a result of these initiatives contrary to the Constitution and legal norms.”
“SADLY WE CONDEMN SUCH ATTEMPTS”
Ergün stressed that attitudes and behaviors aimed at obstructing the legal rights of retirees and older people are unacceptable:
“Aware of the sensitivity shown by our Ministry on this issue, we want to let you know that we will support any effort you make to protect the acquired rights of our retirees and seniors. On the occasion of the upcoming “October 1, World Day of Older Persons”, we regrettably condemn these attempts against our elderly people.
Our retirees and elderly are the mother and father of society. The respect and attention shown to these values will be the only measure for our society to look with confidence to the future. Taking necessary measures as soon as possible, legal rights; We hope that it is explained to society first-hand that it cannot be left to the initiative of individuals, groups or collectives.” (AA)