'공짜'의 대가, 1,800만 원의 청구서: 지하철 부정승차라는 이름의 범죄 > K-wave Trends

According to data from the Seoul Transportation Corporation, the number of cases of illegal riding detected over the past three years has reached an average of 53,000 per year, and the surcharge collected as a result is well over 2.5 billion won every year. What is especially surprising is that about 80% of all fraudulent rides are cases where someone other than the driver uses a preferential transportation card issued for the elderly or the disabled. This goes beyond simply not paying fees, and is an act that seriously undermines the essence of the welfare system established for the socially disadvantaged. These types of irregularities, centered around transfer stations, erode trust in the public welfare system and cause damage to beneficiaries who should receive legitimate benefits.

Subway operating organizations are increasing the intensity of legal action, putting the 'zero tolerance principle' at the forefront in order to eradicate such rude people. According to the current Railway Business Act and Passenger Transport Terms and Conditions, if you are caught illegally riding, you must pay not only the fare for the relevant section but also an additional surcharge of up to 30 times the fare at once. If there was a similar case in the past, the economic impact could be greater than imaginable because it would be applied retroactively. This is a serious situation that does not end with simply paying the additional fee on site. If you refuse to pay, you may be prosecuted for criminal charges such as illegal use of convenience facilities or computer fraud under the Criminal Act.

In fact, the Seoul Transportation Corporation recently issued a strong legal warning by filing a civil lawsuit against repeat and habitual illegal riding users. The case in which more than 18 million won in damages was awarded for repeated fraudulent use over 400 times clearly shows that subway users should no longer dismiss fraudulent acts as a minor deviation. With the introduction of scientific enforcement techniques that combine closed-circuit TV (CCTV) and boarding and disembarkation records, the vague expectation of ‘Will I get caught?’ no longer works. The corporation maintains its firm stance to fundamentally block illegal riding by strengthening on-site guidance and crackdowns in cooperation with metropolitan urban railway-related organizations.

Experts point out that such illegal riding behavior is a measure of mature civic consciousness in our society. The welfare system is a social asset that is operated based on agreement and trust among members, and in order to enjoy rights, it is the basic duty of a mature citizen to fulfill corresponding responsibilities and obligations. If the selfish deviations of a few people continue, the foundation of the welfare system will eventually be shaken, and the damage will fall squarely on the majority of citizens who pay the costs honestly. Strict punishment for system abuse is important, but what is most important is the establishment of a proper sense of public order that does not covet others' benefits.

The '2026 First Half Illegal Riding Prevention Campaign' held at major transfer stations in the metropolitan area is part of an effort to reestablish the correct attitude toward using public goods beyond simple publicity. The reason why various operating organizations, including the Seoul Transportation Corporation, are shouting with one voice, ‘Illegal riding is a crime,’ is to remind us that the subway is a precious asset for all of us. Practicing fair use of tickets even in the hustle and bustle of rush hour is the most basic force that supports a healthy society. Now is the time for citizens to change their perspective on illegal riding and become monitors and practitioners so that a fair public transportation culture can take root in our daily lives.