A senior volunteer team in Zhengzhou, Henan Province has launched a campaign, calling on seniors to offer seats to young people in public transport vehicles, reports the People's Daily.

Members of the "Xiyanghong" senior volunteer team hold a slogan saying "Offer seats to the young" at a bus station in Zhengzhou, Henan Province on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 20 seniors wearing red caps and holding slogans publicized their concept at bus stations in Zhengzhou.

Young people are suffering great pressure in both life and work, so seniors should help by creating a more comfortable environment for them, said Wang Ziqiang, leader of the campaign initiator "Xiyanghong" senior volunteer team.

Wang explained their campaign was inspired by an incident when an old person beat a young woman in a bus because she refused to offer a seat. The old and the young should respect and help each other, Wang said.

The campaign has received support from the local bus companies and sub-district office and also caused hot debate.

Wei Yan, a media company employee, praised the campaign as a good model for building a harmonious society. Another supporter said seniors should avoid taking public transport during rush hours and spare more space for young people who need to go to work.

Still, others think the campaign is improper. A lawyer surnamed Li argued that seniors offering seat to the young may lead young people to forget the traditional virtue of respecting and helping the old. And seniors are more likely to get hurt while standing in buses and subways.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)