Raising the free ride age to 70 will cut rail subsidies by 3.5 trillion won over 5 years

According to estimates by the National Assembly Budget Office, if the eligibility age for senior fare discounts on urban rail and some railway lines is raised from the current 65 to 70, the amount of fare reductions over the five years from 2027 to 2031 is expected to decrease by more than 3.5 trillion won. Looking at urban rail alone, the subsidy burden would decrease by 263.68 billion won over the same period, and if railway services operated by Korea Railroad Corporation, such as Saemaeulho and Mugunghwaho, are included, the total savings are estimated at 355.8 billion won. As the elderly population increases, the annual savings effect is also expected to grow. Some local governments, including Seoul and Daegu, are reviewing or gradually pursuing adjustments to the senior discount age in order to reduce the burden of free subway rides. However, raising the age threshold may also increase the burden on users aged 65 to 69 who previously received the benefit, and there are concerns that it could restrict mobility rights.