Why is the Seoul subway bus in South Korea free of charge?

Seoul, South Korea, has decided to take free subway buses to and from work, and the buses are restricted, in order to alleviate the severe smog for many days.

On January 15th, the air quality in Seoul was poor. Seen from Xijiang Bridge, the high-rise buildings around Mapu Bridge and Longshan were looming.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, continued to suffer from smog on the 15th. In order to encourage citizens to choose more public transportation, buses and subways were free during rush hours, and bus numbers were restricted.

Seoul municipal government launched emergency emission reduction measures for smog weather on the 14th. According to the air quality forecast released by the Ministry of Environment of South Korea, the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Seoul may reach the level of "severe pollution" on the 15th and will continue on the 16th.

In order to cope with pollution, the public transport system in Seoul was opened free of charge from 6: to 9: and from 18: to 21: on the 15th, including public transport in Seoul, community minibuses, subway lines 1 to 9 and light rail vehicles newly built in Niuer. Some subway lines operated by non-Seoul and the subway leading to Incheon International Airport are still charged.

people still need to swipe their cards when taking the bus or subway, but they won't deduct money. Yonhap News Agency reported that passengers with one-time bus cards or monthly tickets are not free riders.

According to the policy of the Ministry of Administration and Security of Korea, only buses with odd numbers can go on the road on 15th. Private cars voluntarily participate in single and even number restrictions.

Yonhap News Agency reported that the air pollution level in Seoul was "light pollution" as of the morning of 15th.

According to Korea Radio International, this is the second time in this winter that Seoul has initiated the smog emergency emission reduction measures formulated in July last year.

Seoul is located in a basin surrounded by mountains, which is not conducive to the diffusion of air pollutants. There are many diesel cars in Seoul, with large dust emissions, and the population density and car ownership are increasing year by year. According to Korean media reports, old coal-fired power stations are the most important air pollution sources in Korea.