Siheung City to Provide Basic Transportation Allowance for Seniors Aged 65 and Over Starting Next Year

Advance Applications Accepted Starting in November
Up to 160,000 Won Per Year in Support

Starting January 1, 2025, Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province will provide a "basic transportation allowance" to residents aged 65 and older.

On September 26, Siheung City announced that it will officially launch the "Senior Basic Transportation Allowance Support Program" to reduce transportation costs and improve mobility for the elderly.

The transportation allowance will be provided quarterly, up to 40,000 won per quarter and a maximum of 160,000 won per year, based on the actual amount spent. The city will begin accepting advance applications on November 3, and transportation costs incurred from January 1, 2025, will be eligible for support. The first payment is scheduled for the end of April 2025.

To ensure a smooth application process, the city will designate specific application dates in November based on applicants' birth years and accept applications sequentially. From December onward, applications will be accepted regardless of birth year.

The transportation allowance applies to the use of city buses, village buses, and metropolitan buses that pass through Siheung City. The system uses the prepaid G-PASS card (issued by NongHyup Bank), and the amount used will be reimbursed each quarter to the applicant's NongHyup Bank account.

Applicants must bring their ID card, G-PASS card, and NongHyup Bank account passbook when applying. Applications must be made in person at NongHyup Bank or local agricultural and livestock cooperative branches. Proxy applications are not allowed.

However, the city explained that for recipients of basic livelihood security and those in the lower income bracket, the transportation allowance may be considered as income, which could affect their existing welfare benefits. For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to consult with the social welfare officer at their local administrative welfare center before deciding whether to apply.

Lim Byeongtaek, Mayor of Siheung City, stated, "This program is a welfare policy designed to guarantee mobility rights and enhance the quality of daily life for seniors," adding, "We will make thorough preparations so that many seniors can benefit from this initiative."