Party and Government "Property Tax Reduction for Small Terminals... Introduction of Pre-Notification System for Temporary Closure and Business Shutdown"

The People Power Party and the government have decided to reduce property taxes for small-scale bus terminals to address the issue of terminal closures amid a rising trend caused by a decrease in passengers. They also plan to introduce a prior notification system for temporary closures or business shutdowns to prevent sudden terminal closures.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th, the People Power Party and the government held a party-government consultation meeting to discuss the "Bus and Terminal Service Stabilization Plan," which includes these measures to prevent bus terminal closures.

Park Dae-chul, the Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, emphasized the joint efforts of the party and government during a briefing, stating, "To prevent the vicious cycle of operational downsizing and service quality deterioration in the bus and terminal sector, which serves as the capillaries of public transportation nationwide, regulatory relaxation and improvement of operating conditions are necessary at this time."

The government will first extend the vehicle usage period by one year for intercity and express buses whose usage period expires by the end of 2025 to ensure continuous route bus service for residents in remote areas, and improve regulations related to charter buses, such as expanding areas where garages can be installed.

They will also consider extending the diesel and CNG fuel price-linked subsidy program, which is scheduled to end in August this year, and expand employment support projects for bus transport workers. In particular, services will be improved by expanding express bus season ticket routes and premium bus operations, and operational safety will be strengthened by suppressing convoy driving during school field trips.

Regulations related to terminal facilities will also be eased. Standards for installing on-site ticket booths and dispatch offices will be updated to allow unused spaces to be used for other purposes, and facility regulations will be relaxed to allow a wider variety of convenience facilities such as warehouses and logistics facilities to be located within terminals.

Additionally, for small-scale terminals, local governments will be requested to consider property tax reductions, and a prior notification system for terminal temporary closures or business shutdowns will be promoted to alleviate public inconvenience. Major terminals will be encouraged to strengthen their role as transportation hubs through complex development.

Baek Won-guk, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "We plan to swiftly implement follow-up measures such as legal amendments to stabilize the bus and terminal sectors so that they can continue to serve as key transportation means securing the public’s right to mobility."

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