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The city of Elazığ in eastern Turkey last month launched a smartcard scheme that allows elderly and disabled residents to travel for free on its public buses.

Applying for the smartcard, which will have to be validated using a card reader when entering a bus, costs 10 Turkish lira (€ 3.50), which includes an administration fee and an annual charge of five lira each.

The city also plans to develop a general smart bus pass, which will allow passengers to travel for half an hour for free, with the second half-hour available at a discounted price.

Original author: Lewis Macdonald