Free access to the bus for those who receive financial assistance

It is proposed that those who receive financial assistance from Reykjavíkurborg for their livelihood be offered free bus travel. The basic amount of financial assistance for an individual can be up to 212,694 krónur per month before tax. The amount varies depending on the form of residence, as it decreases if the person does not run their own household. This refers, for example, to individuals who live with others, rent housing without a registered lease agreement, or do not have access to housing. In such cases, the basic amount of financial assistance is 179,206 krónur. When considering the amounts of financial assistance, it is clear that it is difficult to make ends meet with regard to living expenses.

Financial assistance for livelihood is provided to those who cannot support themselves and their families without assistance. To alleviate the burden on those who have no other recourse, it is proposed to offer free bus travel, as transportation costs can be high when individuals have little money. Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands in the city council has previously proposed raising the amount of financial assistance, but this has not been successful, and therefore it is proposed that support be provided to low-income city residents in this way. It is important that people can easily get between places and that economic hardship does not stand in the way of this.

It is difficult to imagine how people are expected to support themselves on the amounts that financial assistance is based on. People's opportunities to fully participate in society diminish as soon as funds are scarce. When income is not sufficient for the elements considered basic necessities for livelihood, it affects something, as people are forced to deny themselves things. We do not want to live in a society where city residents do not have sufficient income to cover all major expenses.

Previous proposals by city council members of Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands regarding an increase in the amount of financial assistance have not been approved, and therefore it is proposed that those who receive their income from the city's financial assistance be offered the opportunity to apply for free bus tickets and/or bus cards.

A monthly bus pass now costs 13,330 krónur, which is a large chunk of the amount of financial assistance. When people are unable to get around, this can lead to social isolation. If an individual cannot afford a monthly pass or other period passes and pays a single fare on the bus, the journey costs 490 krónur. If it's not possible to return on the transfer ticket, the journey can cost almost 1,000 krónur. Understandably, people with little money do not always have the opportunity to pay for it. It can create a lot of stress to have to live on low amounts, and therefore it is important that economic status does not stand in the way of people being able to travel easily around the city and between places.