Urban Railway Operators Nationwide Urge Government to Address Free Ride Losses

Press Conference at the National Assembly
Calls for Realization of Government Financial Support

The labor and management of six urban railway operators in Gwangju, Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Daejeon held a joint press conference on the morning of the 28th at the National Assembly Communication Hall to urge for national government compensation for subway fare loss. Provided by Gwangju Transportation Corporation

The labor and management of six major urban railway operators nationwide have strongly called for government-level financial support to address the worsening issue of losses from free subway rides. On the morning of October 28, they held a joint press conference at the National Assembly, urging for amendments to relevant laws and expanded financial support.

During the press conference, the labor and management of the six urban railway operators in Gwangju, Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Daejeon stated that the financial deterioration of urban railways threatens the provision of sustainable transportation welfare. Lawmakers from both the Democratic Party of Korea, including Park Honggeun and Jung Junho, and the People Power Party, including Lee Heonseung, attended the event, demonstrating the National Assembly's strong commitment to resolving the issue.

They demanded the realization of national government support through the amendment of the Urban Railroad Act, which is currently pending in the National Assembly, and stressed the urgent need to establish a budget support plan equivalent to that of Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL).

The free transportation system, introduced in 1980 by presidential order, is now a key welfare policy based on various laws, including the Senior Citizens Welfare Act. However, since its introduction, there has been no government financial support for the operating agencies, which has led to massive accumulated deficits. As of last year, the cumulative deficit of these six urban railway operators is estimated to have reached approximately 29 trillion won.

Previously, the National Urban Railway Labor-Management Council had twice submitted joint proposals to the State Affairs Committee and the National Assembly, calling for the legalization of national government compensation for free ride losses. They also held policy forums and public campaigns to promote institutional improvement.

Cho Ikmun, President of Gwangju Transportation Corporation, stated, "The transportation welfare that has continued for the past 40 years is now facing its limits due to demographic changes such as an aging population. I ask for the active interest and support of the government and the public so that the subway can continue to contribute to guaranteeing the public's right to mobility as a public service."

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