Kang Ki-yoon, People Power Party Changwon Mayoral Candidate, Pledges to Make Machang Bridge Toll-Free

"The Most Effective Measure for Revitalizing the Local Economy"

Kang Ki-yoon, the candidate for mayor of Changwon from the People Power Party, pledged on April 29 to make Machang Bridge tolls completely free for Changwon citizens as part of his transportation welfare policy.

Kang Gi-yoon, the People Power Party candidate for mayor of Changwon, is holding a press conference regarding the free toll on the Machang Bridge.
[Photo by Song Jong-gu]

At the fifth policy pledge press conference held at Changwon City Hall that day, Kang stated, "For the past 18 years, residents have silently endured the nation's highest tolls—2,500 won one-way and 5,000 won round trip—for a stretch of just 1.7 kilometers," adding, "I will make the Machang Bridge toll completely free, 24 hours a day, for citizens whose address is registered in Changwon."

Kang explained that resolving the issue of Machang Bridge tolls, which has been a 'symbol of unfairness' and a burden in the hearts of citizens, marks not just the abolition of a fee, but the beginning of a major transformation that will change the map of Changwon.

Kang also pointed out that citizens are losing about 1.2 million won annually from their household budgets due to road tolls. He emphasized that making the bridge free will return this 1.2 million won directly to citizens' wallets, serving as the most effective measure for revitalizing the local economy.

He further pledged to complete the "spatial and temporal integration of Changwon," predicting that by removing the 'toll barrier' between workplaces and residences in Masan, Changwon, and Jinhae, and uniting east and west, Changwon's potential will expand significantly.

Additionally, Kang highlighted that Machang Bridge is a key hub in the logistics network connecting Changwon National Industrial Complex, Masan Marine New Town, and Jinhae New Port. He promised that by making the bridge toll-free, logistics costs would be reduced, making Changwon an even better city for business and job creation.

In response to concerns about the financial burden, Kang stated that thorough calculations have already been made. He explained that the current system, in which Changwon City bears 63% of the discounted tolls during commuting hours, is unreasonable. Kang committed to renegotiating with the competent authority, Gyeongsangnam-do, to adjust the provincial funding ratio, and asserted that simply reducing unnecessary promotional budgets would be enough to solve the toll issue.

Kang vowed, "I will ensure that citizens can drive freely across Machang Bridge without paying tolls," adding, "With the insight of a management expert and strong determination, I will absolutely fulfill my promise to make Machang Bridge toll-free."

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