President Lee: "Can't We Make Off-Peak Public Transit Commutes Around Half Price?"

President Lee Jae-myung has proposed raising the refund rate for a program that offers additional transit fare refunds to commuters who use public transportation outside peak rush hours.

At a Cabinet meeting he presided over at the Blue House on September 29, President Lee was briefed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that the refund rate for the program had been raised from the previous 20% to 30%. Upon hearing this, he asked, "Isn't shifting commute times to save on transportation costs an act of true desperation? These could be people facing hardship, so isn't offering a discount of merely 20 to 30% too weak?"

He continued, "Easing congestion during rush hours is a matter of national interest required by government policy, and aren't there working people who already have to commute at 4:30 to 5:00 a.m.?" adding, "I find myself wondering if we can't give them a bigger discount."

President Lee added, "While it might be difficult to put an exact number on it, wouldn't around half price be appropriate?" and noted, "I don't think (the budget) would cost that much."

In connection with this, he also remarked, "Recently, surplus tax revenue has continued to be generated, and the economic situation has been improving significantly. While there are temporary aspects, aren't there quite a few structural transformations underway?" adding, "How about further expanding support in areas where citizens can truly feel the difference?"

When Park Hong-keun, Minister of Planning and Budget, replied, "We will consult with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on what steps can be taken regarding off-peak commuting," President Lee requested, "Please do so."

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