Gwangjin District to Provide 300,000 Won Monthly Allowance for Village Bus Drivers Starting This Month

Stable Operation of Transportation Services Expected for 80 Drivers

Gwangjin District in Seoul (Mayor Kyung Ho Kim) will provide an allowance of 300,000 won per month to improve the working conditions of local village bus drivers, starting this month.

The support will be given to around 80 drivers employed by village bus companies within the district. The district will pay a treatment improvement allowance of 300,000 won each month, provided in a lump sum every three months, to drivers who meet certain requirements such as the actual number of working days per month.

Kyung Ho Kim, Mayor of Gwangjin District Office. Provided by Gwangjin District Office.

Currently, three village bus companies operate five routes in Gwangjin District. However, the wages and welfare benefits for drivers are generally inferior compared to those of city bus drivers. Most drivers receive only the minimum wage as their base salary and allowances, with no bonuses provided at all.

This disparity in treatment has resulted in frequent turnover among drivers and difficulties in attracting new personnel. These issues have affected overall operations, leading to longer intervals between buses, unstable service, and declining service quality, which have all contributed to increased inconvenience for residents.

In response, the district revised the "Ordinance on Village Buses and the Treatment of Transportation Workers in Gwangjin District" last month and established a system to provide a "Village Bus Driver Treatment Improvement Allowance." This measure aims to ensure both the livelihood stability and job retention of drivers, as well as to secure a stable supply of manpower.

These criteria are intended to prevent operational confusion caused by mid-term resignations or short-term employment, and to encourage stable employment among drivers in order to enhance the continuity of bus operations and improve the quality of service.

Kyung Ho Kim, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "Village buses are a core means of transportation responsible for the daily mobility of local residents. Creating conditions for drivers to work stably is directly linked to protecting residents' right to mobility. This support program will institutionally strengthen the public nature of village buses and serve as a foundation for enhancing the reliability and operational efficiency of the local transportation network."