The introduction of taxi benefits for pensioners is a socially significant initiative, but its implementation may lead to an increase in the cost of transportation for all passengers. This was stated by Evgenia Uvarkina, a member of the Federation Council Committee on Budget and Financial Markets.
The senator noted that the idea is aimed at improving the quality of life of elderly citizens, but requires careful study. In her opinion, simply obliging taxi drivers to make discounts is unrealistic. This will reduce their income and may eventually provoke price increases for all passengers.
According to Uvarkina, not every region will be able to afford significant compensation to carriers from the budget. At the same time, she stressed that an affordable fare is really important for pensioners, especially in regions with weak transport infrastructure, where a taxi ride is often a necessity, for example, to visit a polyclinic.
The senator added that the initiative deserves discussion, but the most effective solution seems to be a targeted approach with the participation of business, rather than a unified federal program with large budgetary expenditures.
