Why Seoul Is Adjusting Free Transit: "The Older People Get, the More They Take Buses Over Subways"

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's move to support bus fares for seniors is aimed at reflecting the demand of older citizens, who tend to use buses more as they age.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government today (June 24), the city issues "Senior Transit Cards" to seniors aged 65 and older, allowing them to use the subway for free.

While this card can also be used on buses, users must pay the full fare.

However, an analysis by the Seoul Metropolitan Government of Senior Transit Card usage as of July last year showed that the proportion of bus usage reached 37.8 percent among those aged 90 and older.

The rate stood at 12.8 percent for those aged 65 to 69, but gradually increased with age, rising to 16 percent for those aged 70 to 74 and 21.3 percent for those aged 75 to 79.

This is interpreted as older seniors relying more on buses for short-distance travel within their neighborhoods—such as visiting hospitals, grocery shopping, and going to welfare centers—rather than long-distance travel.

Accordingly, the city is pushing for bus fare support to reduce the gap in senior transit welfare based on whether they live near subway stations, and to shift the focus of free transit support from subways to neighborhood-level mobility.

The city estimates that providing transit subsidies for up to 14 rides per month to seniors aged 70 and older will cost about 52.5 billion won annually.

This figure is calculated by applying an average fare of 1,500 won to the annual bus usage of the target group (approximately 35 million rides).

To ensure the financial sustainability of the policy, the city is also pushing to raise the eligible age for free subway rides from the current 65 to 70.

The plan is to fund the bus subsidies with the budget saved from the subway system, implementing the policy without placing an additional tax burden on citizens.

The city explained that if the age is adjusted, it can save about 57.2 billion won annually, considering the basic fare of 1,550 won and the expected percentage of users aged 65 to 69 (out of about 85 million annual users as of last year) who would continue to use the subway even after it becomes a paid service (43.5 percent).

Social changes have also played a role in pushing for the increase in the free transit age.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2023 Survey on Older Adults, the average age at which citizens subjectively consider someone to be "elderly" was 71.6 years old.

Additionally, the economic activity participation rate of the population aged 65 and older rose from 29.6 percent in 2000 to 40.7 percent in 2025.

The Seoul Federation of the Korean Senior Citizens Association recently sent an official letter to the city, stating, "Most seniors aged 65 to 70 in our country are active in economic and social participation," and expressing agreement with raising the eligible age for free transit.

Koh Kwang-sun, president of the Seoul Federation of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, previously expressed concern at a National Assembly forum in 2023 regarding raising the free transit age, saying, "It is a long-standing practice, so changing it overnight by making it a public issue will face significant resistance."

However, appearing on MBC's radio show "Focus" today, Koh showed a more open stance on the need for public discussion, saying, "Our society is aging faster than any other country in the world," and adding, "While we are underprepared [for raising the free transit age limit], I hope the government will approach this issue with more depth."

An official from the Seoul Federation of the Korean Senior Citizens Association said, "This is an issue we have been discussing with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and others for several years, and we are listening to many opinions from seniors. Since it is difficult to satisfy everyone, including the existing 'young senior' beneficiaries, we plan to hold a public hearing to listen to various voices."

Some places abroad have already set the eligible age for senior transit subsidies at 70 or older.

Tokyo, Japan, sets the eligibility for transit subsidies at age 70 and older, supporting both train and bus fares.

Osaka issues a senior pass to residents aged 70 and older, offering discounts on subways, the New Tram, and municipal buses.

The city emphasized that the argument is gaining traction that it is more reasonable to support both subway and bus travel for seniors aged 70 and older, who face greater mobility challenges, rather than providing free subway benefits to those aged 65 to 69, who have relatively fewer mobility issues and are more capable of economic activity.

The city plans to proceed with the policy swiftly after gathering public opinion, including holding a public hearing next month.

Although a specific timeline has not been set, the city explained that the senior bus fare support project, which passed the city council's plenary session today, could be implemented as early as next year once budgeting issues are resolved.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.