Yeongju City to Launch Free City Bus Rides for Seniors Aged 70 and Above Starting in July

Free Transportation Cards Issued Starting June 11
For Those Born Before August 31, 1955

Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province announced on May 14 that it will officially launch a free city bus ride program for seniors aged 70 and above, starting July 1, to expand transportation welfare and guarantee mobility rights for the elderly.

This program targets residents of Yeongju City who were born before August 31, 1955, and requires them to obtain a public transportation card exclusively for this purpose. Additionally, those born on or after September 1, 1955, can apply for the transportation card up to two months prior to their registered birthday.

Transportation cards can be issued in person from June 11 by visiting the local administrative welfare center for one's registered address and presenting valid identification.

The city expects that approximately 22,000 seniors will benefit from this program.

The free ride benefit applies to all city buses within Yeongju, including both standing and seated buses, but cannot be used in other regions.

However, those who already possess free transportation cards as seniors, persons with disabilities, or national merit recipients and use them for urban railways or other services should be aware that overlapping benefits are not allowed under the Social Security Act, so caution is required when applying.

In addition, Yeongju City is implementing various policies to enhance mobility rights for transportation-vulnerable groups, such as operating the special transportation service 'Bureum Call,' providing the 'Happiness Taxi' for areas underserved by public transportation, and increasing the number of low-floor buses.

Kim Joongsu, head of the Transportation Administration Division of Yeongju City, stated, "This initiative will serve as an opportunity to substantially improve convenience and transportation welfare for senior citizens," and urged, "Those who already have preferential cards should check for overlapping benefits before applying."