Project lead: Local authorities

• Civil Society Organisation
• Older People’s Association

How collaboration worked: – Seongnam City Government: Funding, policy design, and legal framework – Nonghyup Bank: Card issuance and automated reimbursement processing – Local Bus Operators: Data sharing on boarding/alighting for fare calculation

Older people’s involvement: Older people were consulted during the planning process

Details on older people’s involvement: The senior Public Transport Support Policy in Seongnam was developed through a ‘Bottom-up’ approach, ensuring that the voices of the actual beneficiaries were central to the decision-making process.

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Expansion plans:
The impact of Seongnam’s senior transport subsidy extends far beyond financial savings; it creates a ripple effect across social, health, and economic dimensions. 1. Social impact: Prevention of Social isolation By removing the “cost of leaving the house,” the policy encourages seniors to maintain social ties. – Increased Social Participation: Seniors can easily visit friends, family, and community centers, which significantly reduces the risk of loneliness and depression. – Strengthened Community Mobility: It ensures that every senior, regardless of their economic status, has the “Right to Move” (Mobility Rights). 2. Health Impact: Promotion of Active Aging Access to affordable transportation is directly linked to better health outcomes. – Better Access to Healthcare: Seniors can attend regular medical check-ups and physiotherapy sessions at local clinics without worrying about transit costs. Physical Activity: The act of walking to the bus stop and navigating the city promotes physical movement, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases. 3. Environmental & Urban Impact: Efficient Transit Use – Reduced Carbon Footprint: Encouraging the use of public buses over private vehicles or taxis contributes to a more sustainable, eco-friendly urban environment. – Optimization of Bus Network: Increased ridership among seniors helps the city justify and maintain extensive bus routes that serve even the more remote neighborhoods

Challenges:
The challenge: Many older people found the initial application process and the concept of a “reimbursement card” confusing. There was a risk that those who needed the support most might miss out due to the complexity of the technology. The solution: Seongnam City deployed dedicated support staff at all 50 Community Service Centers. They provided One-on-one “on-site registration” and printed simple, large-font manuals explaining how to use the G-Pass