"Does Taking the Subway During the Day Increase Electricity Charges Because of Elderly Passengers?"

President of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, MBC Radio Interview
"Positive about the proposal to apply free rides outside commuting hours"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Seoul City has pointed to senior citizens' free rides as a cause of the subway's chronic deficit, sparking discussions about raising the age limit for free rides. In response, the Korean Senior Citizens Association argued that Seoul City's claim that deficits are caused by seniors riding for free lacks credibility.

Kim Ho-il, president of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, said in an interview on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 9th, "Free rides apply not only to seniors but also to children and the disabled, yet the issue is often raised solely regarding seniors," adding, "The claim that deficits are caused by seniors riding for free cannot be justified."

He continued, "Except during rush hours, there are many empty seats on the subway during the day. Even when traveling in empty seats, electricity costs are incurred, so does the electricity bill increase just because a few seniors occupy those empty seats?" He raised his voice, saying, "The idea that deficits or surpluses are caused by seniors is fundamentally flawed."

On December 29 last year, citizens are passing through the ticket gates at City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Regarding the proposal to abolish the free ride system only during rush hours, he responded, "I am willing to accept it positively."

Kim explained, "Seniors do not necessarily need to go out during rush hours, and if seniors ride during rush hours causing paying young passengers to be unable to board, that can be considered a deficit. Seniors who must travel during rush hours usually have regular jobs, so it would be acceptable for them to pay."

On the proposal to raise the senior age from the current 65 to 70, he emphasized, "The global standard for the senior age is 65."

Kim pointed out, "Although seniors appear healthier due to better nutrition than in the past, they have no income. If free rides are to start at 70, conditions such as extending the retirement age to 69, providing old-age allowances like advanced countries, or creating senior jobs must be established before discussing raising the age limit."