Train Benefits for Senior Citizens
When it comes to commuting by trains, the Indian Railways provides a flat 30 per cent rebate on fares in all classes of coaches of all trains. This includes Sleeper Class, First Class, Air Conditioned (AC) Chair and First Class AC in all trains including Shatabdi and Rajdhani Expresses. The minimum age defined for senior citizens for this particular rebate is 60 years.
The government has also created special booking counters for senior citizens to prevent extreme discomfort and health problems caused by standing in long queues. The line here is quite short and allows them to book a ticket in relative comfort. Senior citizens also have the option of booking tickets through the online reservation system of Indian Railways. After a few days, the tickets are home delivered.
Apart from this, special coaches have been introduced for senior citizens who use a wheel chair. These coaches have provisions such as space for wheel chairs, handrails and a specially designed toilet. Special ramps for wheel-chaired seniors have been constructed at numerous railway stations, so that they don’t have to face the discomfort of crossing the rail tracks or climbing up stairs. Wheel Chairs for the use of older persons are available at all junctions, District Headquarters and other important stations.
Air Benefits for Senior Citizens
Today, air travel is more common, easier and affordable than ever before. The Indian provides a rebate on normal economy class fare airline tickets for senior citizens who have attained the age of 65. Other airline companies also offer similar rebates to senior citizens. These rebates allow the elderly to afford to travel the same way as they did while they were working.
Booking tickets is done through the particular airline’s website. Flight staff checks that first time flyers are aware of boarding procedures and have a comfortable flight. Senior citizens in wheelchairs are allowed to board the plane first. Moreover, blind senior citizens are escorted throughout their journey so that they don’t face any problem.
Air India also provides discounts to senior citizens who are 60 years of age and over on all domestic flights and international flights to the United States and Europe. In order to avail these discounts and rebates, senior citizens have to show proof of their age at the time of booking.
