Reactions mixed on free public transport due to fine dust

By Kim Hyun-bin

Public opinion has been split over the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s move to combat worsening fine dust pollution.

Some say the city government is wasting taxpayers’ money by waiving transit fees for those who use subways and buses during commuting hours, calling the measure only a temporary solution.

But others welcome the move, praising Mayor Park Won-soon for taking initiatives to reduce fine dust problems in the capital.

Exempting public transit fares during peak hours is designed to discourage people from driving vehicles. A considerable amount of fine dust is believed to have come from car exhaust fumes.

Under the measure, Seoul residents could use the subway and buses for free between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The measure was put into effect for two days this week, Monday and Wednesday. The city makes the decision to waive fares one day in advance, based on air pollution levels.

Despite the free transportation, the total traffic reduction on Monday only accounted for 1.8 percent compared to the week before.

“The free transportation which cost 5 billion won ($4.7mil) each day is only a temporary solution to reducing fine dust in the capital,” said Chung So-dam, 34, a resident of Gwanak-gu in southern Seoul. “This is a waste of taxpayers’ money; the city needs to invest in long-term solutions to reduce fine dust in the capital.”

Other commuters welcomed the move.

“I don’t think people are going to leave their cars behind to save 1,200 won, but I am glad the city government is taking the initiative to reduce fine dust,” a man in his 40s said

"Soaring gas prices is a burden. By taking advantage of the free transportation in the long run we could save commuting money,” an office worker in her 30s said.

The city government plans to continue providing free transportation in an effort to reduce fine dust in the capital.

Politicians are also divided over the effectiveness of the city’s measures to alleviate fine dust problems.

Nam Kyung-pil, governor of Gyeonggi Province, blasted the free transportation measure calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon needs to stop his populism policies,” said Nam. ”Free public transportation costs 5 billion won each day; in 10 days it will be 50 billion, and one month will waste 1.5 trillion won in taxpayers’ money.”

Mayor Park rebutted Governor Nam’s claim Wednesday, urging him to provide free transportation to Gyeonggi residents.

“Fine dust concentration stood at 79 micrograms per cubic meter in Seoul, Tuesday, and in Gyeonggi Province it stood at 100 micrograms per cubic meter. But they did nothing. If Gyeonggi Province took part it would have brought greater results,” Park said. "This is not a political issue _ it’s selecting between 5 billion won or citizens’ lives and safety.”

Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the People’s Party, was also critical of the city’s measure. “It has been proven to be ineffective, but the city government continues to provide free transportation,” he said.

“The city government will need to explain the reasons for continuing this ineffective measure.”