The councilors of the Capital City Assembly will likely decide on two similar proposals during the next session - the mayor's intention Saša Mujović and the opposition's proposal in the local parliament to make public transport free for pensioners and vulnerable social categories from July.
Mujović previously said that the city administration is considering introducing free public transportation for pensioners, and that "this could happen in June or July."
The Capital City told "Vijesti" that the decision on free transportation for pensioners has been prepared, and that it will be considered at the next session of the local parliament, which is planned for July 3rd.
"Its adoption is a prerequisite for entry into force. The decision will enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Capital City, after it is adopted by the Assembly. Therefore, it is expected that pensioners will be able to exercise their right to free transport very soon, after the completion of the legal procedure. The decision stipulates that free transport for pensioners and persons in social need is valid until it is repealed. This means that it is not limited in time to the summer months only, but may remain in force for longer, in accordance with further decisions and developments in the situation," the city administration said.
To the address of the president of the local parliament Jelena Borovinić Bojović A similar proposal has already been received from the opposition.
In a document signed by councilors of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Andrija Klikovac, Ksenija Aranitović, Stefan Ćulafić i Vladan ArsovićAmong other things, an amendment to the Decision on Social and Child Protection Rights is requested.
The reasons for this, they state, are "the overall social and economic situation."
"Including the long-term consequences of inflation and financial pressures that have contributed to the lowering of the standard of living of the population, especially the most vulnerable citizens of Podgorica who are facing material challenges, the need has been identified to facilitate access to certain services and cash benefits defined by this Decision, in accordance with financial capabilities and the principles of social protection. In this regard, it is proposed that amendments to the Decision on Social and Child Protection Rights provide for the right to a free (subsidized at 100 percent of the price) monthly ticket in regular public transport on the territory of the Capital City... This measure represents an essential step towards improving the mobility of the elderly, as a particularly vulnerable category of users, by enabling them easier access to resources and services necessary to meet basic life needs, as well as inclusion in the everyday life of the community," the opposition's proposal states.
The document also states that "the implementation of these measures would place Podgorica in a position of leader in providing support to senior citizens."
“... Thus demonstrating a commitment to improving the quality of their lives and the affirmation of human rights. Also, providing free scheduled public transport would significantly contribute to reducing social exclusion, encouraging the active participation of older people in various social activities, thereby improving their psychological and emotional well-being. In addition, the availability of free public transport can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany older people, faced with the challenges of traffic and access to services.”
They also state that free transportation would facilitate access to healthcare facilities, large markets, and social events.
"Within the framework of sustainable development, this initiative can be considered a long-term strategic move that encourages the thoughtful use of regular urban transport resources, which has the potential to result in a reduction in harmful gas emissions and an improvement in air quality in the city. This would, in the long term, have positive effects not only for older people, but also for the entire community, in terms of improving and protecting the environment," the proposal states.
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