Letter to the Editor: A LYNX rider's request

As a Central Florida senior citizen, I look forward to riding the LYNX bus to the airport often. The LYNX bus system is certainly key in enabling citizens to get around Central Florida with ease. We applaud everyone responsible for this wonderful system.

I do have one question of concern. On a limited budget, a LYNX senior discount bus ticket would be most helpful and allow me to become a frequent rider. However, I have heard that obtaining a LYNX discount is not easy. You cannot simply show your driver’s license to the driver as proof of age. You must make a special trip down to the LYNX station in Orlando during certain hours and have them issue you a special LYNX photo ID card instead of using your driver’s license.

Aside from being such an awkward and burdensome arrangement for elderly people, this LYNX requirement is hard to understand. While your state driver’s license is all you need to board an airline through TSA screening at the airport, that same driver’s license, bearing your picture and physical description, as well as date of birth, raises doubts about your age when you to get aboard a LYNX bus.

Surely there must be a better way for a bus driver to affirm one’s over-65 age than to expect seniors to spend a morning on a trip downtown for an unnecessary ID card.

Thank you.

— Jim Coppens