Suncheon City Council Opposes Immediate City Bus Fare Increase Effective Next Month 1

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] The Suncheon City Council (Chairman Heo Yoo-in) has expressed its opposition to the planned increase in Suncheon city bus fares scheduled for the 1st of next month, stating, "We oppose raising the fares immediately."

The City Council stated that with the continued spread of COVID-19 in Suncheon and the eastern region of Jeollanam-do, the local economy is already shrinking in this serious situation. Therefore, the plan to sharply raise city bus fares by 14.3% starting from the 1st of next month is "unacceptable."

The city bus fares in Suncheon to be applied from the 1st of next month will be 1,500 won for adults (current 1,350 won), 1,200 won for middle and high school students (current 1,000 won), and 750 won for elementary students (current 650 won), representing an average increase of 14.31% compared to the current fares.

Heo Yoo-in, Chairman of the Suncheon City Council, said, "Although city bus fares have been frozen for 3 years and 7 months since the end of January 2017, and there are reasons for a fare increase, it is difficult to understand why the fare hike is announced now, imposing a double burden on citizens suffering from COVID-19." He added, "The 14.31% increase rate is excessive even considering the inflation rate over the past 3 years and 7 months, and it should be reviewed again taking future inflation rates into account."

Furthermore, he stated, "We will actively seek measures with the city to help citizens, who are struggling through difficult times due to COVID-19, regain stability as soon as possible," and "especially, we will prepare special measures for small business owners and self-employed people facing hardships."

Meanwhile, unlike Yeosu City, which consulted with the City Council in advance regarding this city bus fare increase, it is known that Suncheon City did not report or consult beforehand, and Suncheon City Council officials learned about the fare increase plan through media reports.

Kim Mi-yeon, Chairwoman of the Urban Construction Committee of the Suncheon City Council, strongly urged, "While we fully understand the difficulties faced by Suncheon city officials due to COVID-19, when implementing policies or projects closely related to citizens' lives, prior consultation with the council must be conducted."

In response, a Suncheon city official stated, "The increased city bus fare rate this time reflects the decision made on July 27 by the Jeollanam-do Consumer Policy Committee to raise city bus fares in the province by an average of 14.31%."

They also mentioned that until the end of the year, Suncheon City plans to bear the amount corresponding to the fare increase to alleviate the burden on citizens facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 situation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.