Seniors association appeals against removal of flat-fee train tickets
The association that supports over-55s in Flanders and Brussels has launched a petition against the scrapping of concessionary train ticket prices for senior citizens. Okra opposes rail operator SNCB’s plans to convert the flat fare to a discount, which it says would be more expensive.
“With the current senior fare, you can travel all over the country for 7.80 euros after 9.00, there and back,” the association said on Thursday. “If instead there is a 40 per cent discount for senior citizens, the price will be higher. Longer train journeys will be as much as two or three times as expensive.”
The SNCB plans to set a maximum fare for senior citizens, but this has not yet been communicated, Okra says. It is calling for the current flat fare to be retained, and wants to see the senior fare extended to bus, tram and metro travel across the country.
CD&V supports Okra’s call. “The preferential fare can mean the difference between taking public transport or staying at home,” said MP Jef Van den Bergh.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TIJS VANDERSTAPPEN
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