The Seoul city government said on the 22nd, "The 'withdrawal from the integrated transfer system' claimed by the Seoul Community Bus Transportation Association is impossible under the Passenger Transport Service Act," and added, "If they push ahead with the withdrawal, we will pursue legal action, including business suspension and a penalty surcharge."
The city issued a statement that day saying, "Withdrawal from the transfer system legally constitutes a change or adjustment to transportation fares (fees)," and added, "Under Article 8 (Reporting of fares and fees, etc.) of the Passenger Car Transportation Act, it is only possible after filing a change-of-fare report with the Seoul city government and obtaining approval."
At the same time, the city said, "A unilateral withdrawal by the community bus association without the city's prior consultation and approval is not permitted."
Earlier, the Seoul Community Bus Association demanded that the settlement ratio for transfer revenue to the city be applied at the same level as city buses, instead of the current 50% of city buses. The point is that the more they operate community buses, the more losses they incur, making it difficult to continue the business. The association also said it would withdraw from the transfer system if the city does not accept this.
By contrast, the city's position is that improving community bus service comes first. It also said it has continued to increase fiscal support. According to the city, fiscal support for community buses rose from 19.2 billion won in 2019 to 41.2 billion won this year, more than doubling. Meanwhile, the number of trips per community bus route fell by 24%.
The city plans to take legal action if the community bus association forces a withdrawal from the transfer system, viewing it as an act that hinders the smooth transport of passengers under the Passenger Car Transportation Act. If such acts occur, measures including business suspension or a penalty surcharge can be imposed under the act.
Yeo Jang-kwon, head of the Seoul city Transportation Bureau, said, "Demanding only fiscal support without improving community bus service shifts harm onto citizens."