Transport Ministry weighs cutting fare concessions for people with disabilities

Latvia's Ministry of Transport is considering reducing fare concessions for people with disabilities and their companions as one way to close the financial shortfall in the public transport sector, 360TV News has reported. The change would affect thousands of less protected residents.

What is proposed

At present, these groups travel entirely free of charge. Under the idea, the concession would be lowered to 70%. Group 1 and Group 2 disability holders, children with disabilities and people accompanying them would then have to pay 30% of the ticket price for every trip.

The source does not say that a decision has been made; the ministry is only weighing the option.

Reaction from the non-governmental sector

The proposal has prompted a sharp response from non-governmental organisations. Ivars Balodis, head of "Apeirons", an association of disabled people and their friends, says the arguments usually cited by the ministry, namely higher fuel prices and inflation, affect people with disabilities even more directly. He notes that some of them work or study, and for them mobility is essential. According to Balodis, some disability groups are in an especially difficult position.

The association stresses that families raising children with disabilities would be hit particularly hard. Regular trips to doctors and educational institutions are necessary for both child and parent, so a co-payment would raise these families' expenses.