Seoul expands free public transport to seniors 70+, but faces financial and safety challenges

The Seoul City Council has passed a bylaw to provide free bus fares for residents aged 70 and older, extending the city's public transportation welfare benefits. This decision aligns with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's pledge during the June 3 local elections and aims to address gaps in public transport accessibility and ensure equity with the existing free subway policy for individuals aged 65 and above.

However, the financial implications of this new policy are substantial. The Seoul Metropolitan Council's Secretariat estimates that fully implementing unlimited free bus rides for seniors could cost approximately 578.8 billion won over the next five years. This comes at a time when the Seoul Metro Corporation already incurred losses of around 380 billion won last year, largely due to the free subway program for the elderly. The council is considering measures such as tiered support based on income or limiting the number of free rides per month to mitigate the financial strain.

Beyond financial concerns, the expansion of free rides raises safety issues. An increase in elderly passengers boarding and alighting buses could lead to accidents. The city plans to address this by expanding low-floor buses and improving platform maintenance to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place.

The article also prompts a discussion on adjusting the age criteria for free subway rides, which has remained unchanged since its introduction in 1984. Life expectancy has significantly increased, and the proportion of the elderly population has grown substantially. The current standard of 65 is increasingly seen as outdated, with many individuals in this age group remaining economically active and socially engaged. The Korean Gerontological Society supports raising the age threshold, noting that 65-70 year olds are actively participating in society. As South Korea faces rapid aging, redefining the definition of 'elderly' through public discourse is becoming crucial to manage the growing welfare burden.