Taebaek City Operates "20 Free Bus Rides Per Month" Program for Seniors Aged 65 and Older

Taebaek City, Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho), announced on January 6 that the “20 Free Bus Rides Per Month” program for Taebaek citizens aged 65 and older, which began on January 1, has been proceeding smoothly in the field.

Taebaek City Hall exterior. Provided by Taebaek City

This initiative was established to reduce transportation costs for seniors and to provide a safer and more convenient environment for daily travel, including hospital visits, grocery shopping, and leisure activities.

The program is available to citizens aged 65 or older who are registered residents of Taebaek City. Eligible individuals can apply at the administrative welfare center in their district starting one month before their 65th birthday. With the issued “Transportation Welfare Card,” recipients can use city-approved buses in Taebaek for free up to 20 times per month, including transfers. After using all free rides for the month, the card can be recharged and used like a regular transportation card. The free ride count resets automatically on the first day of each month.

However, the Transportation Welfare Card is for personal use only. If used by someone other than the cardholder, measures such as card recovery and suspension may be taken, so users should be cautious to avoid misuse.

Taebaek City began accepting applications on November 24, 2025, and over 50% of eligible residents have already applied. To minimize inconvenience for seniors, administrative welfare centers are actively providing “on-site services” to assist with applications and card distribution, continuing a field-oriented approach to administration.

A Taebaek City official stated, “As the free bus ride program is being operated stably, it is providing tangible benefits by guaranteeing mobility rights and enhancing transportation welfare for seniors.” The official added, “We encourage those who have not yet applied for the Transportation Welfare Card to do so at their local administrative welfare center.”