Challenges to free subway rides for seniors

Seoul’s subway system has long been praised for its efficiency and accessibility. The system makes it relatively easy even for those unfamiliar with the city to get around. In addition, free subway rides for seniors 65 and over are institutionalized. Yet, the system is not without flaws.

As of last year, the annual deficit was estimated at approximately 728.8 billion won (about $530 million). One of the main causes is attributed to losses from free rides for senior citizens, which account for around 438.5 billion won, nearly 60 percent of the annual total deficit.

It is also believed that a significant portion of these losses results from free seniors' passes misused by younger individuals. In 2023, over 2,000 cases of fare evasion through the misuse of senior free passes were reported, including cases of younger individuals using fake or borrowed senior ID cards.

In fact, several times, I've seen young people ahead of me at the subway gates tap a free pass at the gate card reader and go through without hesitation. I felt uncomfortable each time, but since I myself benefit from the free ride system, I didn’t have the courage to confront them or report it.

Of course, you can say that they might have tapped different kinds of free transit cards rather than senior passes. But I am nearly certain that the young people I saw in those cases used senior passes.

If you pay just a little attention, it’s quite easy to spot young people using senior cards. When the card reader scans a senior card, the fare display on the dashboard just shows “0” and “preferential treatment.” It can also be distinguished by the signal sounds. Regular transit cards make a simple beep sound, whereas free ride cards produce two- or three-beat tones: “beep-beep-beep!”

There was a time when tapping a senior card triggered a voice message saying, “Be happy,” instead of two or three beep tones. However, that feature disappeared not long ago. I wonder why it was removed.

During a gathering with friends my age, I once shared my concerns and listened to their reactions. Almost all of them were critical of the current free subway ride system for seniors. Some even took a firm stance, insisting that the system should be abolished altogether.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize the policy’s positive impacts. Studies by the Korea Transport Institute have shown that free subway rides have improved elderly access to health care, social activities and community engagement. Thus, the policy enhances quality of life and reduces social isolation.

To address both the financial strain and integrity issues, several reforms can be considered.

Introducing biometric or digital ID-based verification, like QR codes or facial recognition, can help prevent misuse. Additionally, fines for fare evasion should be strictly enforced.

Raising the eligibility age is also necessary. The current threshold of 65 was set decades ago. Increasing the age to 68 or even 70 would align the policy with demographic realities. Some other cities are already planning to do this.

In addition, a transportation credit system should be adopted. Rather than unlimited free rides, seniors could be allotted an annual travel allowance, promoting more thoughtful use of resources.

Finally, let’s study models like partial fare contribution, which are now working efficiently in other major cities, such as Berlin and Tokyo.

The senior free ride policy serves an important social function but must evolve to meet current challenges. A phased and respectful reform that blends welfare with accountability can ensure that Seoul’s subway remains both inclusive and financially sustainable for the future.

Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.