Seoul: The Seoul Metropolitan Council has passed an ordinance that will grant free bus rides to citizens aged 70 and over. The decision was made during a plenary council session on Wednesday, where the proposal received overwhelming support with a vote of 69-1, while five members abstained.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ordinance aims to subsidize all or part of the bus fares for senior citizens, with the criteria for eligibility to be determined by the mayor. The specifics regarding the extent of the subsidy and its implementation are yet to be finalized by the city government.
Additionally, the city government is contemplating raising the age for free subway rides from 65 to 70, aligning it with the new bus fare policy. This consideration demonstrates Seoul's ongoing efforts to provide better public transportation benefits for its elderly population.