The free rides have become a thorny political issue as South Korea's population rapidly ages and subway operating costs soar.
SEOUL, South Korea – Every day, 71-year-old Park Gyung-sun delivers flowers, documents and other packages around Seoul – a job popular among senior citizens who are entitled to ride the city’s subways for free.
Free rides have been a perk enjoyed nationally by those 65 and older for four decades and are credited with keeping senior citizens active. They have, however, become a thorny political issue as South Korea’s population rapidly ages and subway operating costs soar. It’s also left President Yoon Suk-yeol in a quandary. He promised fiscal consolidation upon taking office in May but also counts elderly voters as a key support base.
In the greater Seoul area, where almost 3.7 million people are 65 or older, more than 233 million free rides were taken last year. That cost Seoul Metro some 315 billion won , equivalent to 30% of its debt. For its part, the finance ministry says it has funded building and improving subway systems, and the cities should handle operating costs.
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