Kim Moon-soo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, revealed on the 20th that senior citizens aged 65 and over will be able to use the bus for free outside of commuting hours.
Kim noted in a statement that “Senior citizens can currently ride the subway for free, regardless of the time,” and added, “We will also enable them to use the bus for free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to avoid the rush hour, which is crowded with working-age commuters.” He pointed out that “The current free subway ride system is ineffective for seniors who prefer buses.”
He stated that 25% of new public housing will be mandated to include facilities for basic medical care, caregiving, and meal services for senior citizens. He also mentioned that these will be specially allocated for households with children and senior households.
Kim said, “This is the minimum welfare promise we can provide to the seniors who have dedicated their lives to their families and the national economy,” adding, “I will do my utmost to ensure that benefits are available not only in transportation and housing but across all institutional sectors.”
He promised to introduce an integrated transportation card system that allows anyone with a disability registration certificate to use the subway nationwide.
Kim emphasized, “I will simplify the transportation methods used by disabled individuals to realize transportation welfare,” stating, “I will create a country where disabled individuals can move about without worry.”