I am a senior citizen and a regular weekend bus commuter from Manila to Hagonoy, Bulacan. For several years now, I have observed that front-row seats designated for disabled, pregnant and elderly citizens are being used by just about anybody. I am referring to First North Luzon Transit, Baliwag Transit and Golden Bee Transit.
It is worse for senior citizen passengers picked up along the way because the bus drivers and conductors do not ask nonsenior citizens to vacate the designated seats. Hence, they have to remain standing until they reach their destinations.
So it is at the terminals. Most of the time, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women cannot use the seats designated for their use. In my case, I ask the conductor to ask able-bodied passengers occupying the designated seats to transfer. Otherwise, nobody would assist me.
Why designate seats for the elderly, pregnant and disabled if their proper use is not meant to be enforced? It is the responsibility of the management of these bus lines to educate their drivers and conductors.
—TESS S. AUSTRIA, tessaustria@yahoo.com