Jangseong-gun to Operate '1000 Won Rural Bus' Starting Next Year

[Jangseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Hangyu] Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Doo-seok) announced on the 16th that it will implement the '1000 Won Rural Bus' starting January next year to improve transportation welfare for residents.

Currently, the basic fare for the county's rural buses is 1500 won for adults, 1200 won for middle and high school students, and 750 won for elementary school students.

In addition, if the travel distance exceeds 10 km, a surcharge of 132 won per km is applied, or a distance/section proportional fare system is operated to charge additional fees for long-distance travel.

The county decided to switch to a '1000 Won flat fare system' considering that the majority of bus users are elderly, students, and rural residents, and recently announced the related ordinance for legislative notice.

With the implementation of the flat fare system, fares will be reduced to 1000 won for adults, 800 won for middle and high school students, and 500 won for elementary school students.

Also, no additional fees will be charged even for travel over 10 km or long distances.

This will reduce the transportation cost burden on local residents and is expected to revitalize the local economy by encouraging active exchanges between villages.

The county will compensate for the loss of rural bus transportation revenue caused by the operation of the flat fare system.

The county plans to sign an agreement with Gunmin Transport Co., Ltd., the rural bus operator, regarding the implementation of the 1000 Won flat fare system and prepare detailed matters aiming for implementation in January next year.

Governor Yoo Doo-seok said, "By applying the 1000 Won flat fare system to rural buses, which are the lifeline for residents, we will realize universal transportation welfare and add vitality to the region."

Meanwhile, the county currently owns 33 rural buses (including 4 reserves) operating a total of 73 routes.

Jangseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Hangyu chg6001@asiae.co.kr