"Are They Really 65? Party and Government Plan to Discuss Raising the Age for Free Rides"

Ruling Party and Government to Discuss Measures for Local Government Deficit Compensation
Oh Se-hoon: "In the Age of 100, We Cannot Burden Future Generations"

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Youngwon Kim] The ruling party and the government plan to implement comprehensive measures regarding the subway fare evasion deficit issue, including raising the age limit and compensating local governments for their deficits.

On the 3rd, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, told reporters after the floor strategy meeting, "We will discuss with the government issues such as raising the age for free rides and how to distribute the deficit."

Under current law, the age criterion for free subway rides is set at 65 by the government through legislation, but the deficit caused by free rides is borne by local governments. As the annual deficit due to free rides accumulates to over 1 trillion won, local governments including Seoul have urged the Ministry of Economy and Finance to take responsibility for the deficit burden to ease the pressure of fare increases.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said on Facebook that "It is time to start a social discussion on reforming the public transportation fare system," adding, "The issue must be resolved in two directions: support from the Ministry of Economy and Finance for losses from free rides and improvement of the fare system." He continued, "Soon, the elderly population will make up one-third of the total population, entering the 'centenarian era,' and we cannot impose a heavy burden on future generations."

Floor leader Joo said, "We need to comprehensively address how the central government and local governments will share the deficit burden, including whether the age of 65 set decades ago is still appropriate for seniors." He added, "There is a perception that it is not right for local governments to continue bearing a deficit of hundreds of billions of won annually."