Politics
Seoul Council Freezes Public Transit Fares Through 2026 for 10 Million Residents
The bill under review by the Seoul Metropolitan Council would hold public transport fares steady through 2026, directly shaping monthly commuting costs for residents across all 25 districts.
How we reported this
The Seoul Metropolitan Council is tracking a fare stabilization bill that would prevent increases in subway and bus ticket prices for the remainder of 2026. The measure applies to the Seoul Metro system and city bus routes used by daily commuters in every district from Jongno-gu to Gangseo-gu.
National inflation data released in the second quarter of 2026 showed transport costs rising faster than overall consumer prices, prompting the city legislature to place the bill on its active tracker. Council records indicate the proposal builds on the 2025 budget paper that already allocated funds to offset operator losses from any freeze.
Daily Effects for Seoul Households
Residents who travel by public transport for work or school would continue paying the same per-trip amounts instead of facing scheduled adjustments. Families in outer districts such as Nowon-gu and Songpa-gu, where many workers commute inward to central business areas, would see no change in the line item for transit within their monthly household ledgers.
Policy analysts note that the legislation also covers transfer discounts on the T-money card system, preserving the current structure of reduced rates after the first ride. Local advocates point out that this continuity matters most for part-time workers and students whose schedules require multiple daily trips across the city network.
Next Steps in the Legislature
The bill is scheduled for committee review in the Seoul Metropolitan Council during the August session, after which it would move to a full vote if advanced. The government projects that operator subsidies from the existing transport fund would cover any revenue shortfall without requiring new taxes or fees on riders.
City budget documents state that the measure would remain in force until the end of December 2026 unless the council votes to extend or repeal it in a later session. Residents can follow updates through the council's public bill tracker posted on the Seoul city website.