Mangaluru : The Senior citizens voiced their disappointment over the poor civic amenities during an event here on Thursday.

They opened up after being prompted by Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim, who in a unique gesture, did away with his conventional speech and said he would like to hear the problems they face.

Vishalakshi Hegde, a resident of Bendoor, spoke about the problems in public transport.

“The steps of the buses are at a higher level, and people like us, who have pain in joints, find it difficult to board the bus. So, we need low-floored buses.”

Another elderly person pointed to problem in crossing the road at the busy clock tower circle, and demanded a flyover.

An elderly person from Belthangady said absence of public toilets near the main traffic junctions causes problem for commuters coming to city from other parts of the district.

“There is one public toilet at Jyothi (Ambedkar) Circle but it’s always closed. What is the point in having such public toilet.”

Mr. Ibrahim said that the Regional Transport Authority has given permission for operation of 18 low- floored buses of KSRTC.

He said private city buses were coming forward to operate low-floored buses.