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The Seoul Metropolitan Council passed the "Seoul Elderly Transportation Subsidy Ordinance," proposed by City Councilor Lee Byung-yun (People Power Party, Dongdaemun 1), at a plenary session on the afternoon of the 24th, with 69 votes in favor, 1 against, and 5 abstentions out of 75 members present. As a result, the Seoul Metropolitan Government now has a legal basis to support free bus rides for the elderly.
The ordinance's core provision allows the city to subsidize part or all of city bus and community bus fares for residents aged 70 or older who are registered and living in Seoul and who meet criteria set by the Seoul mayor. The specific scope and methods of support will be determined by the city later.
Unlike with urban railways (subways), the city had not subsidized free rides for the elderly on buses, but it now plans to include buses in the support and is reviewing a measure to raise the age threshold for free subway rides from the current 65 to 70.
