THE differently-abled persons and senior citizens are facing a lot of inconvenience due to the recent curtailment of the 50 per cent discount on public transport, especially railways. This concession was a necessary support for the two segments. As regular travel is unavoidable in many cases, it now puts a heavy burden on them.

The removal of the facility has already started to have a negative impact on their daily lives. They are forced to limit essential travel or depend entirely on others. In addition to being a matter of affordability, it is a matter of dignity and independence as well. Public transport is a lifeline for these persons, and restoring the discount would reaffirm society’s commitment to equality and care for its most vulnerable members.

The authorities should reinstate the 50pc travel concession at the earliest. Such a measure would go a long way towards alleviating the hardship that is faced by differently-abled persons and senior citizens.

Aqib Raza
Lahore

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026