Changwon Mayoral Candidate Song Soonho: "Free City Bus Fares for Seniors, Children, and Youth"
by Lee Seryeong
Published 13 May.2026 23:10(KST)
Song Soonho, the pre-candidate for Changwon Special City under the Democratic Party of Korea in Gyeongnam, announced policy pledges centered on easing citizens' public transportation costs, including making city bus fares free, and innovating public transportation services.
On May 13, at a press conference held at city hall's press center, Song stated, "I am announcing citizen-centered transportation welfare and public transit innovation policies to reduce the transportation cost burden for citizens and create a Changwon where everyone can move safely and conveniently."
He emphasized, "Transportation is not merely a means of movement but a basic form of welfare directly linked to the quality of life for citizens and is a core infrastructure that determines urban competitiveness," adding, "We must shift to transportation policies that put citizens' lives at the center."
He also discussed expanding transportation welfare by generation, establishing an eco-friendly and smart public transportation system, improving the environment of bus stops, and innovating the transportation infrastructure in industrial complexes.
![Song Soonho, the preliminary candidate for Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, from the Democratic Party of Korea, is announcing his policy pledges. <br>[Photo by Song Soonho’s campaign team]](http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/img_view.htm?img=2026051323010461925_1778680864.jpg)
Song Soonho, the preliminary candidate for Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, from the Democratic Party of Korea, is announcing his policy pledges.
[Photo by Song Soonho’s campaign team]
Song pledged: ▲free city bus rides for seniors aged 70 and above, children, and youth; ▲step-by-step achievement of a 100% adoption rate for eco-friendly low-floor buses; and ▲expansion of demand-responsive transit (DRT) bus operations in areas with limited transportation access.
He also promised: ▲the expanded installation of heated seats at city bus stops and the strengthening of climate-controlled shelter functions; ▲the development of large-scale parking lots on the outskirts of the Changwon Industrial Complex and the introduction of autonomous shuttle services.
Song remarked, "A city with convenient transportation is a city where citizens live comfortably," adding, "Only when children, seniors, workers, and all citizens can live without inconvenience in travel can we call it a true transportation welfare city."
He further stated, "With the belief that enhancing citizens' mobility directly leads to an improved quality of life, I will build Changwon into a transportation welfare city that everyone can truly experience."