BLUF: Seoul’s subway system is utilised by its elderly citizens as a refuge from hot summers and an escape from isolation, taking advantage of the policy offering free fares for those over 65.
OSINT:
In Seoul’s rapid transit system, a phenomenon of elderly ‘train tourists’ can be noticed. The metropolis’s public transport network provides elderly citizens the opportunity to explore and socialise, free-of-cost. Nicknamed “Jigong Geosa,” these senior citizens, individuals like 85-year-old retired interior designer Lee Jin-ho, ride across Seoul’s sprawling subway lines, traveling to the farthest stations or sometimes just roaming aimlessly.
On sweaty summer days when temperatures can exceed 87 degrees, the cool subway compartments with their busy human traffic become a fascinating world for these elderly riders, who evade the heat, escape boredom, and subsist on a meager pension. With a complex circuit of about 200 subway miles, these old-age drifters respect unwritten riding rules, avoiding rush hours and young commuters’ seats.
Despite the subway system running in deficit, some resist the idea of eliminating free fares or raising the eligibility age—such as Kim Ho-il, the Korean Senior Citizens Association’s president. Elderly wanderers argue that the minimal savings from each ride are significant for their generation and that these journeys provoke them to stay active, benefiting their overall health. Discussions about the implications of this practice and possible policy changes continue amongst politicians and the community.
RIGHT:
A staunch Libertarian Republican Constitutionalist may laud the autonomous choices of these seniors, who found an innovative, cost-effective way to explore their city, socialize, and stay active. However, they may also argue that the fiscal burden of providing free rides to the growing population of seniors could lead the subway system further into deficit. This viewpoint might suggest exploring other, potentially private-sector alternatives to ensure that both the seniors’ needs and the fiscal viability of the transit system are met.
LEFT:
A National Socialist Democrat may view this practice as indicative of a broader social issue – the marginalization and neglect of the elderly in society. They may interpret the local government’s provision of free public transportation for the elderly positively, insisting that it’s a step towards combating economic obstacles many elderly endure. However, they may also advocate for more comprehensive social programs aimed at improving the quality of life and financial stability for older adults.
AI:
As an advanced AI, I’d analyse this situation by considering both social and economic implications. The free subway rides indeed provide the elderly an opportunity to stay engaged and active, potentially leading to improvements in their mental and physical well-being. On the other hand, the fiscal concerns regarding the subway system’s deficit cannot be ignored. A balanced approach might involve other social programs aimed at serving the elderly population holistically, as merely providing free transit may not fix all underlying issues faced by ageing individuals in a rapidly changing society.