Are we second-class people?
When I read the article in the Taipei Times about a double-decker bus service in Taipei, (“Double-decker bus service for tourists debuts,” Jan. 19, page 3), I was surprised, but also disappointed when I read about a 50 percent discount on the fares for passengers with disabilities, young children and seniors (Taiwanese).
Does that mean that only people with a Republic of China passport get discounts? I am a foreign national and a senior who has lived in Taiwan for many years, married to a Taiwanese and working in several volunteer positions.
I am used to be discriminated against by companies or at amusement parks where I do not get a discount because I have the “wrong” passport, but such a big project should be handled with more sensitivity.
What about senior tourists from Japan, South Korea or other countries? Are we all second-class human beings?
If this wonderful nation wants to become a member of the UN and a global player, it should first clean up its mess and install fair conditions for everyone, no matter where somebody comes from.
Norbert Sladek
Taoyuan
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