"Seoul Bus Fare Will Not Increase" ... Why Was the Decision Reversed in Just One Day?

On the 10th, Shindorim Station in Seoul's subway system was crowded with commuters amid concerns of traffic chaos due to continuous monsoon rains and heavy downpours over the weekend. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will extend the peak dispatch times for subways and buses from the morning until the heavy rain warning is lifted. Subway trains will run at increased frequency from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and during the evening rush hour from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Just one day after news emerged that the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Metropolitan Council were discussing a plan to raise the basic fares for public transportation such as subways and buses by 200 to 300 won, Kim In-ho, chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, denied the claim, stating it was "not true." Considering the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, he argued that it is undesirable to shift the burden of public transportation deficits onto citizens. So, was the initial news about the Seoul transportation fare hike a false report?

On the 24th, Woo Hyung-chan, chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Committee, revealed in a media interview that they are pushing for a fare increase plan that includes raising the current bus fare of 1,200 won by up to 300 won (25%) and adding 100 won for every additional 5 km traveled beyond the initial 10 km. This sparked public criticism that the fare hike would unduly increase the burden on low-income citizens.

As the controversy spread, Chairman Kim denied the media reports the next day, saying the timing was "inappropriate" and that neither the city nor the council had discussed a fare increase. It was also reported that Woo, who had treated the matter as a fait accompli, was sharply reprimanded. Inside and outside Seoul City, there have been multiple discussions about fare increases with the council, and many council members agree on the necessity of a fare hike, but revealing this at the current time was considered untimely.

A Seoul city official stated, "Seoul’s public transportation, especially the subway, is facing a situation where the deficit is expanding significantly due to free rides for seniors and others, seriously threatening the safety of all citizens, so delaying fare increases or additional financial input is no longer an option. However, because a particular council member prematurely announced an issue that has not been fully agreed upon internally, public opinion has worsened, putting us in a rather difficult position."

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