Taichung candidate proposes expanding senior transport card benefits

Legislator Ho Hsin-chun, a candidate for Taichung mayor, has proposed significant enhancements to the city's senior and disabled transport card program. Accompanied by several Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) city councilors and candidates, Ho announced a plan to boost taxi subsidies from the current 85 points per trip to 200 points. This increase aims to make taxi rides more accessible for seniors, as the current limit barely covers the initial fare.

Beyond taxi services, Ho's proposal seeks to broaden the card's usability to include pharmacies, convenience stores, supermarkets, and farmers' and fishermen's associations. Many seniors have voiced frustration that their monthly card allowances expire if not used, leading to a sense of wasted benefits. To address this, Ho pledged to modify the system so that unused points accumulate monthly, allowing seniors to use their benefits more flexibly and without pressure.

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Many elders have reflected that the senior and disabled card is visible but unusable.

"Many elders have reflected that the senior and disabled card is visible but unusable," Ho stated during the press conference. She highlighted the current limitations, particularly with taxi fares, where the 85-point limit is quickly depleted. Ho emphasized that her proposed changes would allow elders to "feel the happiness of the senior and disabled card" by making services more practical and accessible. The DPP candidates presented these proposals as part of their "six-star welfare policy" for the upcoming mayoral election.

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She emphasized that her proposed changes would allow elders to "feel the happiness of the senior and disabled card" by making services more practical and accessible.