Sinan-gun, Bus Fares 'Frozen' for 16 Years

80% of Passengers Receive Free Transportation Benefits After Full Public Bus Operation Implementation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do has been freezing public transportation bus fares for 16 years, reducing the financial burden on low-income residents.

According to the county on the 13th, despite the expensive public transportation fare system, the fare level remains cheaper than in large cities, maintaining a 1000 won bus fare to date. Among the approximately 670,000 annual passengers, more than 80% receive free transportation benefits (for those aged 65 and over, and students).

The Sinan-gun 1004 bus is picking up passengers at the Mokpo Bus Terminal.
[Photo by Sinan-gun]

In particular, to improve the long-standing transportation inconvenience in island areas, the successful completion of the bus full public operation system, first introduced nationwide in 2007, has brought innovation to public transportation.

Mr. Park (in his 70s), residing in Jaeun-myeon, said, “Without a car, it was inconvenient to get a ride from others when visiting Mokpo Hospital or my children's homes,” adding, “It is very good to be able to use the bus for free.”

County Governor Park Woo-ryang stated, “We will expand maritime and land transportation support, including freezing bus fares and providing free transportation, so that residents can enjoy convenient transportation life.”

Meanwhile, since the 1st of this month, the Shinan-Mokpo (Bus Terminal) wide-area bus has been operated directly by Shinan-gun, running via Mokpo Station to the Bus Terminal. Seven wide-area buses operate 21 times a day, and the fare for the Mokpo Station-Terminal section is free.