Taebaek City to Launch 'Free Bus Ride Program' for Seniors Aged 65 and Over... Ensuring Mobility Rights for the Elderly

Taebaek City to Launch Program on January 1, 2026

Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced on November 13 that it will implement the 'Free Bus Ride Program' for seniors aged 65 and over, starting January 1, 2026, to improve mobility for transportation-vulnerable groups and enhance welfare for the elderly.

Notice on the Implementation of the 'Free Bus Ride Program' for Seniors Aged 65 and Over. Provided by Taebaek City

This program is open to all citizens aged 65 and over who are registered residents of Taebaek City, with approximately 12,000 people expected to be eligible.

Seniors can use city buses for free up to 20 times per month with a dedicated 'Transportation Welfare Card.' If they exceed the free usage limit, they can continue to use the service at their own expense. The card can be recharged and used in the same way as a regular transportation card, and the free ride count automatically resets on the first day of each month.

Applications for card issuance will be accepted at local administrative welfare centers in each district from November 24. To facilitate smooth processing, the first week will operate on a system where application days are assigned based on the last digit of the applicant’s birth year. After the first week, applications will be accepted at any time regardless of the day.

The designated application days are as follows: Monday (years ending in 1 or 6), Tuesday (2 or 7), Wednesday (3 or 8), Thursday (4 or 9), and Friday (5 or 0). Applications can be submitted starting one month before the applicant’s 65th birthday. This year, those born up to 1960 are eligible to apply.

The city will begin distributing the Transportation Welfare Cards sequentially from December, and the issued cards can be used starting January 1, 2026.

A Taebaek City official stated, "This free city bus program will not only reduce transportation costs and ensure safe mobility for seniors, but also help expand their leisure activities and participation in the local economy."

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