In order to use VBB’s reduced ticket prices, an official pensioner’s ID is required according to the tariff. This becomes a nuisance for co-insured people.
The new era in public transport in Burgenland, which began in September, is not only causing celebration. This is also the case with Hildegard Ringhofer from Pinkafeld, who has been regularly commuting to Vienna by bus for many years. Previously with the bus from Dr. Richard operated line G1, today with the B01 of the Burgenland transport company (VBB). In order to receive a reduced ticket for pensioners, Ms. Ringhofer – like many others of her generation – was used to purchasing an authorization card once a year at a price of 16 euros in order to be able to use the G1 for pensioners all year round to be able to drive.IDs without validityWith the takeover of the line by the VBB, this contribution no longer exists. The ID cards issued at the beginning of the year also lose their validity. In order for seniors to continue to receive reduced fares, the VBB’s official tariff regulations recently required them to present a pensioner’s ID card. And that’s exactly what makes Hildegard Ringhofer angry, because “as a co-insured person, I have no right to such an ID card. The fact that, as an 84-year-old, I now have to pay the full price for a bus trip to Vienna, just because I have looked after my husband, three children and the household all my life, is pure discrimination.” Innovations confirmed on the phone during her last bus journeys Bus drivers repeatedly pointed out the new regulations to the Pinkafelder woman. Seeking help, the 84-year-old turned to the VBB hotline, where this innovation was confirmed to the lady. When asked about the case, the VBB is trying to limit the damage: VBB locates incompetent bus drivers “The statement made by a bus driver from the subcontractor does not correspond to the facts. On the contrary – VBB sees itself as Burgenland’s mobility service provider. We do not charge any ‘fictitious fees’ for issuing an annual ID card. We accept any documentation of the statutory retirement age as proof of discount, i.e. pensioner card, ID card or passport. It is also not the responsibility of the drivers to decide who gets a ride at a discount or not,” explains managing director Wolfgang Werderits.
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