25% of New Public Housing to Include Mandatory Senior-Friendly Facilities
Special Allocation of Units for Senior Households Also Promised
Kim Moonsoo, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party, announced on April 20 that he would implement a policy allowing seniors aged 65 and older to use buses for free outside of commuting hours.
In a press release issued on the same day, Kim stated, "Currently, seniors can use the subway for free regardless of the time of day, but I will also allow them to use buses for free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so that they can avoid the rush hours crowded with working-age commuters."
Kim pointed out, "The current free subway ride system is less effective for seniors, who tend to prefer buses."
He also pledged that 25 percent of new public housing would be required to include senior-friendly facilities providing basic medical, care, and meal services, and that these units would be specially allocated to households with children and senior households.
Kim said, "This is the minimum welfare pledge we can offer to seniors who have devoted their lives to their families and the national economy," adding, "I will do my utmost to ensure that they receive benefits not only in transportation and housing but in every sector."
Kim also promised to promote a 'Digital Integrated Transportation Pass for People with Disabilities,' including the introduction of an integrated transportation card system that would allow people with disabilities to use the subway anywhere in the country with a single disability registration card.
Kim stated, "I will simplify the way people with disabilities use transportation to realize transportation welfare," and added, "I will create a country where people with disabilities can travel with peace of mind."
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