The government has approved a 25% fare discount on single metro rail journeys for citizens aged 65 and above, as well as persons with disabilities and special needs, with a gazette notification expected soon.

The Road Transport and Highways Division sent the proposal to the Finance Division for approval, which has already approved it, according to officials concerned.

Sources at the Road Transport and Highways Division said the decision was taken in line with the current government’s election manifesto and the division’s 180-day action plan.

Under the approved proposal, persons with disabilities and special needs will receive the discount upon showing the “Subarna porichoypotro” issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare. Senior citizens aged 65 or above will have to show their national identity cards for age verification to avail the reduced fare on single trips.

Sources concerned said Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) had already been providing free single-trip tickets to war-wounded freedom fighters and a 15% fare discount to persons with disabilities and special needs.

With the new decision, the discount rate for persons with disabilities has been increased from 15% to 25%. A new 25% concession has also been introduced for elderly passengers.

Although citizens aged 60 and above are generally recognised as senior citizens, the authorities decided to set the minimum age at 65 for now to protect metro rail revenue, manage operational expenses and meet foreign loan repayment obligations from the next fiscal year.

According to DMTCL estimates, the special concession for elderly and disabled passengers may reduce annual revenue by around Tk12 crore, which is nearly 3% of the metro rail’s total ticket earnings.

As the proposal involved financial implications, it was approved following consultation and final opinion from the Finance Division, as required under existing rules.

Meanwhile, no decision has yet been taken on fare concessions for students. The proposal noted that the issue may be considered later, depending on DMTCL’s revenue earnings and operational management capacity.