Regulations on support for the elderly in mass transit in Vietnam

Regulations on support for the elderly in mass transit in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this issue, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

1. Regulations on support for the elderly in mass transit in Vietnam

According to Article 2 of Circular 71/2011/TT-BGTVT, the elderly when participating in public transportation are supported as follows:

- Support for the elderly when they join in railway or waterway transport

+ The elderly, when traveling by train, passenger seagoing ships or inland waterway vessels, may buy tickets at counters reserved for priority subjects.

Train or ship attendants shall guide and arrange convenient seats for the elderly; support the elderly in boarding or alighting vehicles and arrange their luggage when necessary.

+ The elderly, when traveling by train, are entitled to a reduction of at least 15% of the ticket prices and, service charges when using the services of luggage handling, telephone booking, ticket home delivery; a reduction of at least 15% of the ticket prices when traveling by inland waterway vessels or passenger seagoing ships.

The specific reduction levels shall be set and publicized by heads of transport business organizations, based on practical conditions and specific time.

- Support for the elderly when they join in road transport

+ The elderly using road mass transit vehicles are given priority to buy tickets at counters and to use seats, which are reserved for priority subjects;

+ Drivers and attendants of passenger vehicles shall guide the elderly to use priority seats, support them in boarding and alighting vehicles and arrange luggage for persons who need special care;

+ Transport enterprises are encouraged to work out schemes on ticket price exemption or reduction for the elderly and publicize them on their routes of transport.

- Support for the elderly when they travel by air

+ Employees of Vietnamese airlines, airport enterprises and relevant aviation service enterprises shall guide, support and create favorable conditions for the elderly in passenger service chains at Vietnamese airports and airfields, including the booking procedures, check-in, aviation security check, waiting in waiting lounges, boarding and receipt of consigned luggage at their destinations;

+ Flight crews of Vietnamese airlines shall carefully guide and support the elderly in approaching their seals, arranging their personal effects onboard the planes;

+ Enterprises mentioned at Points a and b of Clause 3 of Article 2 of Circular 71/2011/TT-BGTVT shall formulate or amend and supplement the current regulations and documents on passenger service instructions and perform other necessary activities suitable to each airport or airfield, aiming to implement the provisions of Clause 3 of Article 2 of Circular 71/2011/TT-BGTVT;

+ Passengers being the elderly enjoy a reduction of at least 15% of the prices of economy-class tickets with least restricted conditions, which are sold in the Vietnamese territory on domestic air-routes. The specific reduction levels shall be set and publicized by airlines, based on practical conditions.

- For the elderly who need special care by their accompanying relatives, the latter will be arranged at suitable seats convenient for such care.

- The elderly being subjects entitled to reduction of ticket prices and service charges under different regimes may only enjoy the highest level of ticket price reduction.

- Organizations and individuals engaged in mass transit business arc encouraged to invest in vehicles and equipment in service of the elderly's safe and convenient travel: low-deck buses; boarding and disembarkation supporting instruments; information equipment and other devices.

2. Penalties for violation of regulation on traffic for persons with disabilities and the elderly in Vietnam

A fine ranging from VND 1.000.000 to VND 3.000.000 shall be imposed when:

- Failing to prioritize selling tickets for persons with disabilities and the elderly;

- Failing of persons in charge as per the law to assist and arrange suitable seats for persons with disabilities and the elderly;

(Article 15 of Decree 130/2021/ND-CP)

Nguyen Ngoc Que Anh

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE