National Assembly's Public Welfare Special Committee Discusses Public Transportation Fare Refund Plans... "Benefits Should Focus on Youth and Low-Income Groups"

Holding the 4th Meeting and Questioning the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The National Assembly's Special Committee on Livelihood Economy Stabilization held its 4th meeting on the 14th to discuss measures for public transportation fare refunds and income deductions. The National Assembly expressed concerns that the benefits are not primarily reaching youth or low-income groups and urged the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to prepare additional measures.

Kang Min-guk, a member of the People Power Party, told the Ministry of Economy and Finance, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's position is that the actual individual benefits are not significant compared to the fiscal burden," adding, "Ultimately, the burden of public transportation costs should mainly fall on youth or low-income groups, so I ask the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to actively focus on preparing plans or measures for that."

In response, Deputy Minister Bang Ki-seon of the Ministry of Economy and Finance said, "We share a similar position," and gave a positive answer regarding preparing measures focused on youth and low-income groups, stating, "We will do so."

Additionally, Kim Kyung-man of the Democratic Party asked, "Could you explain, for example, how many people are estimated to use public transportation and what the expected reduction rate might be?"

Deputy Minister Eo Myung-so of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport responded, "It is necessary to consider the expected increase in fiscal burden of 3.3 trillion to 4.6 trillion won, the relatively small individual benefit of about 33,000 won per month, and the limited sustainability," expressing concerns by adding, "In our country, public transportation fares are already relatively cheap, about one-half to one-quarter compared to other major countries."

Deputy Minister Eo explained the expected reduction rate, saying, "Looking at the case of Germany, about 3.4 trillion won was spent using a 9-euro pass over three months," and "public transportation usage increased by about 10 to 15%."

Then, Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party asked, "Isn't it the case that low-income groups or youth, who have the highest proportion of transportation costs in their income, receive relatively fewer benefits?" Deputy Minister Bang replied, "To compensate for this, when implementing the Altteul Transportation Card, in addition to the basic mileage accumulation, we provide additional refunds to low-income groups and youth."

He added that considering budget increases and stigma issues, careful consideration is needed before providing additional benefits.

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