Change the "We Love You" Message on Free Bus Card Readers for Seniors... Daegu City Council Member Inhwan Lim Submits Written Inquiry

Complaints About "Singling Out Seniors"
"Only Drivers Should Hear the Message"

Inhwan Lim, a member of the Daegu City Council (People Power Party, Jung-gu District 1), submitted a written administrative inquiry to Daegu City on the 27th regarding the need to improve the "We love you" message broadcast from integrated free public transportation card readers (subway + bus) for seniors.

In July 2023, Daegu became the first city in the country to implement an integrated free public transportation support program for seniors and introduced the integrated free ride card. However, a significant number of seniors have expressed discomfort with the "We love you" message played when using the card. The main complaints include feeling "singled out for their age" and feeling "sorry and embarrassed."

Inhwan Lim, Daegu City Council Member

Lim emphasized, "Daegu City must actively respond to minimize the discomfort of seniors and ensure satisfaction for all citizens," adding, "It is urgent to address even minority complaints through improvements."

In June 2023, Seoul Metro introduced the message "Stay healthy" for senior free riders. However, due to frequent complaints, this was changed to a 'beep beep beep' sound from June 2024.

Accordingly, Lim argued that it is time for Daegu City to improve its message by referring to such cases, stating, "There should no longer be any discomfort caused by the announcement messages."

He also expressed the view that the voice from the card reader on city buses should be adjusted so that only the driver can hear it. He requested that a specific noise level (dB) be set and that noise be minimized based on this standard.

Lim requested, "Daegu City should prioritize the convenience and dignity of seniors by implementing comprehensive measures, including improving the message, strengthening the process of gathering public opinion, and enhancing surveys."

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