Key facts
- Seoul city council passed an ordinance for free bus rides for citizens aged 70 and over.
- The proposal passed a plenary session with 69 votes in favor, one against, and five abstentions.
- The city government will determine the specifics of the subsidy and implementation methods.
- The initiative is a campaign pledge by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.
- The city government estimates the annual cost at approximately 52.5 billion won (US$34 million).
The Seoul Metropolitan Council has passed an ordinance to introduce free bus rides for residents aged 70 and over. This measure, a key campaign promise of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, aims to enhance public transportation accessibility for seniors, particularly those living in areas not served by subway lines.
The ordinance was approved by a significant margin of 69-1, with five abstentions, during a plenary council session. Specific details regarding the extent of the fare subsidy and the method of implementation will be determined by the city government at a later stage. The city is also exploring the possibility of raising the age requirement for free subway rides from the current 65 to 70.
To mitigate financial impact, the city government has indicated that the number of free rides could be capped at 14 per month. This policy is estimated to cost approximately 52.5 billion won (US$34 million) annually. However, this expenditure is expected to be offset by an additional 57.2 billion won in income generated from the proposed increase in the eligible age for free subway access.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon intends to convene a public hearing early next month to solicit feedback from senior citizens, experts, and the general public. If a consensus is reached promptly, the city government anticipates the new free bus ride system could be implemented as early as the following year, though no definitive timeline has been established.