Free bus access for those receiving financial assistance

It is proposed that those who receive financial assistance from the City of Reykjavík for their livelihood be offered free bus travel. The basic amount of financial assistance for an individual can be up to ISK 212,694 per month before tax. The amount varies depending on the form of residence, as it decreases if the individual 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 ISK 179,206. 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. The Socialist Party of Iceland (Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands) in the city council has previously proposed raising the amount of financial assistance, but such a proposal has not been successful, and therefore it is proposed that support be provided to low-income city residents in this manner. It is important that people can easily get around and that economic hardship does not stand in the way of such.

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 are curtailed as soon as funds are scarce. When income is not sufficient for the basic elements of livelihood, something suffers 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 meet all major expenses.

Previous proposals by city councilors of the Socialist Party of Iceland (Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands) to increase 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 passes.

A monthly bus pass now costs ISK 13,330, which is a large chunk of the amount that financial assistance amounts to. When people are unable to get around, it 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 trip costs ISK 490. If it is not possible to return on the transfer ticket, the trip can cost almost ISK 1,000. 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 prevent people from being able to travel easily around the city and between places.