Busan Councilor Proposes Ordinance to Subsidize City Bus Fares for Seniors Aged 70 and Over

An ordinance to subsidize bus fares for seniors aged 70 and older in Busan has been submitted to the city council.

Background of the Ordinance

Kim Tae-hyo, a People Power Party member of the Busan Metropolitan Council representing Haeundae District 3, announced on the 22nd that he has sponsored the "Ordinance on Transportation Cost Support for Senior Citizens in Busan." The ordinance comes against the backdrop of Busan's rapidly aging population. Busan ranks among the metropolitan governments with the highest proportion of elderly residents, having entered a super-aged society with the population aged 65 and over exceeding 20 percent of the total. This has fueled interpretation that demand for transportation welfare supporting seniors' outings and social activities is correspondingly high.

Currently, Busan provides free subway passes to seniors aged 65 and older, but city bus fare support varies depending on local governments' circumstances. Because fiscal burdens grow in proportion to the size of the elderly population, setting the eligibility age and scope of support has been a challenge that no local government has been able to decide on easily.

Key Provisions of the Ordinance

The core of the ordinance is to have the city support city bus fares for Busan residents aged 70 and older. Compared with the free subway benefit, which starts at 65, the bus support age is set five years higher, reflecting a phased, limited design that takes fiscal burdens into account.

The measure applies to residents aged 70 and older registered in Busan, with the support method and budget size expected to be fleshed out during the ordinance review process. With city bus fares in the midst of an increase, the scale of support will inevitably grow in line with inflation, making securing a budget the key to the ordinance's passage.

Expected Benefits and Debate Over Fiscal Burden

Supporters argue that transportation subsidies help reduce seniors' social isolation. For older adults who frequently go out to visit hospitals or friends, bus fares are a fixed expense, and easing this burden would increase outings, leading to better health and quality of life.

On the other hand, fiscal concerns are also significant. A cautious accounting estimate suggests that annual support costs in Busan, where more than several hundred thousand people are aged 70 or older, could reach tens of billions of won. During the council's review, alternatives such as adjusting the eligibility age, providing support based on income brackets, or phased implementation are likely to be discussed. The payment method to bus operators and the settlement system also need to be examined.

Legislative Process and Outlook

Once proposed, the ordinance will be reviewed by the relevant standing committee of the Busan Metropolitan Council and finalized by a vote in the plenary session. As budget negotiations with the city's executive branch must come first, considerable adjustment time is expected before a vote.

Regardless of whether it passes, the ordinance is expected to serve as a reference case for other local governments' senior transportation welfare policies. As local cities enter super-aged societies, Busan's choice will become a benchmark for how to guarantee seniors' mobility within limited budgets.