Lee proposes higher refund of fare for off-peak commuters

President Lee Jae Myung suggested raising the refund of fares for commuters who travel on public transportation during off-peak hours. This proposal came about following a report from the transport ministry, which stated that the reimbursement rate for these commuters had been increased from 20 percent to 30 percent. The president questioned whether the 20 to 30 percent refund is enough for financially struggling individuals.

Lee argued that easing rush-hour congestion also aligns with government policy and benefits the nation as a whole. He suggested that covering about half of the cost could be reasonable for higher refunds. While Budget Minister Park Hong-geun did not provide a specific response to Lee's proposal, he acknowledged the potential for the increase to not require a significant additional budget.