From January 1, with the official implementation of a new policy towards the elderly, nearly 1.6 million people in Beijing aged over 65 began to enjoy preferential treatment of taking buses and visiting parks for free.

According to the policy, Beijing citizens aged over 65 can take buses for free with their senior citizen preferential treatment cards. Barrier-free waiting areas will be gradually set up in bus stations with the purpose of offering convenience to the old and disabled. Moreover, seats for the old, weak, sick, disabled and pregnant on buses are going to be increased, too.

People between 60 to 64 also enjoy the privileges given by the policy to buy a special ticket for all the public-owned parks in Beijing for only 50 yuan. This kind of ticket lasts a year.

In the meantime, from the first day of 2009, all museums, memorials, residences of former celebrities, and libraries supported by the municipal or district governments will open for those aged over 60 for free. Nowadays, senior citizens in Beijing are enjoying a more and more comfortable life.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2009)