Democratic Party "Pursuing Half Refund on Public Transportation Fares... If National Assembly Doesn't Convene, at Least a Special Committee"

Temporary 50% Public Transportation Fare Refund Law from August to December for 5 Months

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 11th that it will temporarily promote a ‘50% refund on public transportation fares’ to alleviate the burden on people’s livelihoods caused by high oil prices and inflation.

Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the ‘On-site Visit Meeting to Promote Public Transportation to Reduce Fuel Consumption in Response to High Oil Prices’ held at the Gyeonggi Bus Lounge at Sadang Station of the Seoul Subway, "We plan to propose a bill that allows a 50% refund on public transportation fares for five months from August to December."

Park explained, "If the monthly public transportation fare is 60,000 won, a refund of 150,000 won for five months will be possible." Regarding citizens who have no choice but to use cars, he added, "We have already proposed a bill to further reduce the fuel tax by more than 50%."

He seemed aware that the National Assembly’s organization negotiations have not yet been completed, saying, "As soon as the National Assembly convenes, or if it does not, we will form a Special Committee on People’s Livelihood Economy to immediately grant legislative review authority agreed upon by both parties to enable the passage of the bill," and added, "We will accelerate efforts including this matter within this week."

Earlier, regarding the delay in the organization negotiations, Park stated at the party’s emergency meeting, "If no agreement is reached by today, the Democratic Party will strongly request the Speaker of the National Assembly to promptly begin forming the Special Committee on People’s Livelihood Economy for urgent legislation on people’s livelihoods and the Personnel Hearing Committee for public office candidate verification."

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