A recent survey reveals that six out of ten Seoul citizens support raising the age limit for free subway rides, currently set at 65. The majority of respondents believe that 70 is the appropriate age for this adjustment.
On March 5th, at a forum titled "Current Status and Improvements of Free Subway Rides for the Elderly in Seoul," hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Transportation Committee, Council member Yoon Young-hee (People Power Party, proportional representation) presented the survey results. 64% of respondents agreed with raising the age limit for free rides, while 19% were undecided and 17% opposed.
The primary reason cited for supporting the age increase was "the increased burden on future generations" (39%), followed by "changes in social perception" (37%) and "discrimination against elderly people in areas without subways" (24%). Conversely, the main reason for opposition was "increased transportation cost burden for economically disadvantaged elderly people" (58%).
Regarding the appropriate age for the adjustment, 76% of respondents chose 70, followed by 68 (11%), 66 (6%), 67 (5%), and 69 (2%).
As for the method of raising the age limit, 59% agreed with "immediate increase to between 66 and 70," while 23% disagreed. 48% agreed with "increasing the limit by one year every three years, starting at 67," while 27% disagreed. 52% agreed with "increasing the limit by one year every three years, starting at 70," while 26% disagreed.
A significant 77% of respondents believed that the free ride system contributes to subway deficits. Regarding potential solutions, 44% agreed with reducing the discount rate from 100% to 50%, while 34% disagreed. 61% favored restricting free rides during rush hour, while 23% opposed it.
The survey, conducted from December 11th to 15th of last year, polled 1,144 Seoul citizens online and in person. The most common age group among respondents was the 50s (18.4%), followed by the 30s (17.7%), 40s (17.2%), 20s and 60s (16.3% each), 70s (9.4%), and those over 80 (4.8%).
Council member Yoon stated, "It is necessary to adjust the criteria for free subway rides to reflect the era of 100-year lifespans. A gradual increase based on the age of 70 will help reduce social conflict."
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