Brazil court affirms interstate bus discounts for elderly

A decision by the Federal Justice Section in Rondônia has reaffirmed the rights of low-income elderly citizens to purchase interstate bus tickets at a 50% discount. The ruling, resulting from an action by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), carries national scope and must be respected by all interstate bus companies across Brazil.

Under the Statute of the Elderly, individuals aged 60 or older with an income equal to or less than two minimum wages are entitled to either free passage (with a limit of two seats per vehicle) or a 50% discount. The court ruled that imposing time limits or advance purchase requirements for these discounted tickets is illegal, as such restrictions were not provided for in the Statute of the Elderly and represent an overextension of regulatory power.