Survey of 1,144 Seoul Citizens
6 Out of 10 Support Raising the Free Subway Ride Age
Main Reasons: Concerns About Youth Tax Burden and Changing Social Perceptions of Seniors
Citizens are passing through the ticket gates at City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
Last year, Seoul Metro's fare evasion deficit exceeded 400 billion won for the first time, and the total deficit approached 700 billion won, highlighting the urgent need to address the fare evasion issue. A public opinion survey revealed that 6 out of 10 Seoul citizens support raising the age for free subway rides.
On the 27th, With Research, a professional polling agency, conducted a survey commissioned by Seoul City Council Transportation Committee member Yoon Young-hee (People Power Party) from December 11 to 15 last year, targeting 1,144 Seoul citizens. The results showed that 64.1% of respondents supported raising the free ride age. Those opposed accounted for 17.1%, and 18.8% were unsure.
Among respondents, 45.2% chose ‘70 years old and above’ as the standard age for seniors, 24.0% selected ‘65 years old and above,’ and 17.7% chose ‘75 years old and above.’ This suggests a growing perception that the current senior age standard, set at 65 years and above, should be raised.
Results of the Debate on Raising the Age Limit for Free Fare System. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Council
The main reasons for supporting the increase in the senior free ride age were ‘concerns about the tax burden on the younger generation’ (38.7%) and ‘changing social perceptions of seniors in an aging society’ (37.0%). Notably, among those in favor, 76.1% responded positively to the question, ‘What do you think about adjusting the free ride age to 70?’ On the other hand, the reasons for opposition included ‘the transportation cost burden on economically struggling seniors’ (57.8%) and ‘concerns about intergenerational conflict’ (21.3%).
When asked about the relationship between subway deficits and the senior free ride system, 76.6% answered that it affects the deficit. Specifically, many expressed opinions such as ‘adjusting the age standard to fit the aging era is necessary’ (41.9%) and ‘raising the senior age standard can reduce financial deficits and allow budget allocation to more needed areas’ (27.0%). Conversely, 23.4% responded that fare evasion is not the main cause of the deficit, citing reasons like ‘insufficient government and local government support’ (38.3%) and ‘the senior usage rate is not high enough to be a decisive cause’ (32.3%).
When asked to select multiple options for system improvement methods, ‘providing vouchers for low-income and disabled individuals’ received the most support at 64.2%, followed by ‘restricting free rides during commuting hours’ at 60.8%. The least supported alternative was ‘adjusting the discount rate from 100% to 50%’ at 44.2%.
Councilor Yoon stated, "As our society has already entered the era of 100-year lifespans, the senior age standard and welfare policies must change accordingly. The results of this survey suggest that this is not a simple policy change but requires a reasonable reform plan based on social consensus. We will prepare sophisticated policy alternatives reflecting citizens' opinions."
Meanwhile, Seoul Metro's fare evasion deficit has increased annually: 264.2 billion won in 2020, 278.4 billion won in 2021, 315.2 billion won in 2022, and 366.3 billion won in 2023. The total deficit (net loss) surged from 517.3 billion won in 2023 to 694.7 billion won in 2024, and it is expected to surpass 1 trillion won around 2028.
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