Oh Se-hoon on Free Bus Rides for Seniors: "Concerned About Deficit... Considering Discount Programs"

Presiding Over the 'Regulation Removal and Livelihood Revival Grand Debate'
Deficit to Grow If Buses Included... "An Additional 60 Billion Won Needed"
"A Matter of Choice... We Will Ensure Benefits Reach as Many People as Possible"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon mentioned that although he is concerned about the huge deficits related to extending the current senior free ride program, which is only applied to the subway, to buses, he is considering discount programs that involve significant investments. Mayor Oh added, "We will try to ensure that the benefits reach as many people as possible."

On the afternoon of the 14th, Mayor Oh attended the 'Regulation Removal and Livelihood Revival Grand Debate' held at Seoul City Hall. Responding to opinions requesting the extension of the subway senior pass to buses, he said, "Public transportation is welfare. Within that framework, there is justification for providing free rides to seniors despite large deficits. Adding buses to that is important," he stated.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the "Regulation Relief and Livelihood Revival Grand Debate" held at Seoul City Hall on the afternoon of the 14th and shared opinions with citizens. Photo by Seoul City.

In particular, Mayor Oh expressed concerns about the enormous financial input. He said, "Seoul is experiencing deficits in public transportation, which are covered by citizens' taxes. Currently, the deficit is 900 billion won, and extending the program to buses would require an additional 60 billion won." However, Mayor Oh viewed this as "a matter of choice." Specifically, he explained, "We are considering discount programs that involve significant investments for those who truly need it, such as through the Climate Companion Card, while being satisfied with the current subway level." He promised, "We will continue to compare and prepare to ensure that the benefits reach as many people as possible."

During the debate, opinions were also raised regarding the abolition of the land transaction permit system in Gangnam-gu. Mayor Oh stated, "Due to various economic conditions this year, there is a possibility that real estate prices may continue to decline excessively, so we are cautious," and added, "We are actively reviewing the abolition of the land transaction permit zone system, which was chosen during an extraordinary period."

Other opinions included expanding the recycling of fallen leaves and the recycling reward system, establishing sustainable recycle centers for small business owners, requests for providing restricted public spatial information, and creating jobs through smart farm cultivation in vacant commercial spaces. Mayor Oh responded to each of these opinions and instructed relevant department heads to review them.

Meanwhile, this debate marks the full-scale launch of Mayor Oh’s 100-day project to abolish regulations, under the slogan "Change or Die." The event was attended by 100 Seoul citizens, deputy mayors, and senior officials of grade 3 or higher, providing a venue for diverse discussions on policy improvement measures.

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