Seoul to Raise Subway Free Ride Age to 70, Introduce Bus Fare Subsidy

Seoul City is pushing a plan to raise the age for free subway rides from the current 65 to 70, and in exchange, provide free bus fares for seniors in that age group. The city plans to raise the eligibility age for free subway rides from the current 65 to 70.

In relation to this, the Seoul City Council passed an ordinance that includes the basis for supporting transportation costs for city and village buses for residents aged 70 and over. An ordinance that supports transportation costs for city and village buses for seniors aged 70 and over residing in Seoul has passed the Seoul City Council.

This plan is a campaign pledge by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, which would support up to 14 bus rides per month for seniors aged 70 and over, costing an estimated 52.5 billion won annually. The plan is to use the 57.2 billion won saved annually by raising the subway free ride age to 70 to fund the bus fare support.

Reactions from seniors and elderly organizations to the plan to raise the subway free ride age and provide bus fare support are mixed. Some express opposition to the reduction in benefits at a time when they face economic hardship.

Seoul City plans to hold a public hearing next month to gather opinions from various sectors of society and build consensus. Seoul City will hold a public hearing next month to collect opinions. The policy is planned to be implemented as early as the first half of next year. The composition of the Seoul City Council, which will be reorganized next month with a majority of seats held by the Democratic Party, could also be a variable in the progression of this policy.