Clear Results After One Year of Free Rides
546,823 Rural Bus Passengers
Up 21.3% Compared to Previous Year
The rural bus free ride policy, which was implemented by Uiseong County in 2025, has been found to not only expand residents’ mobility rights but also to have a positive ripple effect on public transportation usage and the local economy.
According to data compiled by Uiseong County (Governor Kim Jusu), the total number of rural bus users in 2025 reached 546,823.
This represents an increase of 96,060 people (21.3%) compared to 450,763 in 2024. The clear rise in usage from the very first year of the policy demonstrates the effectiveness of this transportation welfare initiative.
A closer look at the usage trends shows that in 2025, the number of users increased every month compared to the same month in the previous year. In 2024, only April (41,454) and May (40,655) saw monthly users exceed 40,000. However, in 2025, most months except February recorded over 42,000 users.
Notably, in September, the number of users surpassed 50,000 for the first time, reaching 50,309. The upward trend continued in the fourth quarter, with 49,452 in October, 49,369 in November, and 49,184 in December, indicating that the policy was quickly taking root.
The increase was especially pronounced in the second half of the year. From July onward, monthly users rose sharply, maintaining a year-on-year increase of over 30%. This suggests that the free ride system has become more than just a benefit-it has established itself as an essential means of transportation for residents.
As the mode of travel shifted from private cars to public transportation, not only seniors and transportation-vulnerable groups but also the general population began to travel more frequently. This has led to increased local consumption and more external activities within the region.
An official from Uiseong County stated, “The free ride policy plays a significant role in guaranteeing mobility rights for the transportation disadvantaged and reducing transportation costs. We are also seeing positive impacts on local businesses as external activities increase.”
Alongside the free ride policy within the county, Uiseong County plans to introduce additional transportation cost support for residents using public transportation outside the county in the first half of the year. This reflects the expanding living sphere of residents and aims to establish a more comprehensive transportation welfare system.
Governor Kim Jusu emphasized, “These statistics show that the rural bus free ride policy is successfully achieving its goals of alleviating transportation costs and promoting public transportation. We will continue to expand transportation welfare policies so that residents can use public transportation more conveniently and safely.”
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