Seoul proposes raising free subway ride age to 70, considering bus fare support

Seoul is moving to raise the age threshold for free subway rides from 65 to 70, while also considering extending fare support to bus services for the elderly. The city announced these plans ahead of a public hearing scheduled with the Seoul Metropolitan Association of the Korean Senior Citizens Association.

The proposal includes providing full support for bus fares for citizens aged 70 and over who use public transport less than 15 times per month. This measure aligns with a pledge made by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon during the June 3 local elections. For seniors using public transport more than 15 times monthly, the city suggests they can utilize the government's K-Pass discount program.

Seoul estimates that the financial requirement for these bus fare support measures will be around 50 billion won annually. The city aims to reallocate subsidies currently provided to the Seoul Metro, which operates the subway system, by raising the age for free subway rides. This reallocation is intended to fund the expanded bus fare support.

Meanwhile, the Seoul City Council is also reviewing a separate ordinance that would allow for partial or full support of city and village bus fares for residents aged 70 and above. This move is expected to reignite public discussion on the age criteria for free subway rides, which is currently based on the Senior Citizens Welfare Act defining individuals aged 65 and over as seniors.

The city highlighted that discussions about raising the subway's free ride age have been slow despite the 40 years since the current age was set. Seoul plans to gather opinions through the upcoming hearing to establish new support standards for senior transportation.

“

The subway's free ride age has been set for about 40 years, but discussions on raising the age have been lukewarm.