Gyeongbuk Province will fully implement free fares for city and rural buses for seniors across all 22 cities and counties in the province starting July 1, as part of the eighth popularly elected administration's pledge to provide "opportunities to live safely and happily, with free bus rides for seniors."
To support this free fare initiative, the province has allocated 2.2 billion won in 2024 for the establishment of a settlement system, and in 2025, it will invest 1.4 billion won for card issuance support and 5 billion won for free fare subsidies.
As a result, 437,880 people?equivalent to 17% of Gyeongbuk's total population of approximately 2.53 million?will benefit from this policy.
The free fare applies to those born on or before July 1, 1955 (aged 70 or older), and seniors can apply for a public transportation card up to two months before their registered birthday. To apply, individuals must visit their local administrative welfare center in person with identification, starting from June 11.
Additionally, to prevent fraudulent issuance, proxy applications are not allowed. If the cardholder becomes ineligible due to transfer to another city or province, or by transferring the card to another person, the card will be deactivated.
Yang Geumhee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "Providing free public transportation for all seniors aged 70 and above is a core transportation policy that strengthens transportation welfare services and revitalizes the entire region by improving mobility rights. We will continue to innovate transportation services centered on residents."
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