Since September 1, 22.5% Increase... Enhancing Positive Perception of Public Transportation and Revitalizing City Buses
Ulsan City’s “Free Bus Fare for Children” program, which has been in effect since September 1, has shown significant results.
This program is part of Ulsan City’s key policy initiative in the second half of the 8th term of the elected government, called the “Ulbusim Life+ Project,” and it has attracted considerable attention from children and parents even before its launch.
An analysis of usage rates during September, the first month after implementation, revealed that the average daily number of child users was 3,600, a 22.5% increase compared to the average daily 2,900 users in September of the previous year.
Furthermore, in the fourth week of September, approximately 4,000 children used the service daily, indicating a strong positive impact.
Following the success of the free bus fare program for children, Ulsan City is making thorough preparations for the planned free fare program for seniors aged 75 and older, scheduled for the second half of next year, including issuing dedicated cards and building related systems.
Ulsan City expects that the free bus fare programs for children and seniors will enhance citizens’ satisfaction with daily life and increase bus ridership.
An official from Ulsan City stated, “We expect the free bus fare program for children to serve as a catalyst for revitalizing bus usage,” and added, “We ask for the continued interest and use by children.”
The free bus fare for children applies to all 183 routes, including general city buses in Ulsan, direct-seat buses connected to Ulsan Station limousine buses, as well as branch and village buses.
Since the program applies only to children aged 7 to 12, child users can purchase transportation cards at convenience stores and register their date of birth to use them. When traveling with a guardian, multiple payments can be made using the guardian’s card.
However, if a transportation card is not available, cash fare (600 KRW for general city buses) must be paid.
Ulsan City Hall.
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