Priority seats needed for disabled, elderly

THE Cebu City Council wants public utility vehicles to reserve priority seats for persons with disability, and if possible, for senior citizens too.

The City Council approved a resolution last July 11 urging the Dept. of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to strictly monitor compliance of the Accessiblity Law or Batas Pambansa 344.

This law requires public transport, like buses and jeepneys to reserve seats nearest the exit and/or entrance doors for persons with disabilities (PWD) for better access, safety and comfort.

Posters or stickers are supposed to identify the priority seats.

Violators face a P2,000 to P5,000 fine or imprionsment up to one year or both.

The council also asked DOTC and LTFRB to study the feasibility of encouraging public land transportationto provide the same benefit for senior citizens.

The City Council also passed a resolution supporting the celebration of National Disability Prevention Week on July 17 – 23.