Here is a possible concise summary:
The text is a transcript of a news segment about the issue of free subway rides for seniors over 65 in South Korea. The segment covers the following points:
- Some local governments, such as Daegu and Seoul, are considering raising the age limit for free rides or the fare itself, due to the increasing deficit and aging population.
- The central government is reluctant to provide financial support for the losses caused by free rides, citing fairness and budget constraints.
- The urban railway operators and labor unions are demanding that the government bear the cost of free rides, as they are struggling with old facilities and safety issues.
- The public opinion is divided on whether the free ride system should be maintained or reformed.
Here are some key facts extracted from the text:
- Fact 1: Daegu City announced a policy to raise the age limit for free subway rides from 65 years old to 70 years old.
- Fact 2: The Elderly Welfare Act, which specifies the discount rate for urban railways, stipulates that it can be applied to people over 65 years old.
- Fact 3: The Seoul subway has a deficit of 1 trillion won every year, and the proportion of free riders is about 30%.
- Fact 4: The government provides partial compensation for the metropolitan railway operated by KORAIL, but not for the urban railway operated by local governments.
- Fact 5: The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to increase the subway and bus fares by 300 won each from the end of April next year.