More Than 3,000 Older People Turn in Driving Licenses

Some 3,000 elderly motorists have already responded to an incentive campaign by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to turn in their driving licenses since it started two weeks ago.

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A total of 2,691 drivers over 70 had returned their licenses voluntarily as of March 21 for the prospect of a transit card pre-loaded with W100,000 credit, and at this rate their number would have exceeded 3,000 by Sunday, a city official said (US$1=W1,137).

"Numbers are being tallied at 31 police stations and four driving test sites in Seoul, so the applications received by March 21 have been counted", the official said. Originally, the city had planned to give out only 1,000 transit cards.

The subway is already free for the elderly, but they can use the transit card to take buses and make purchases at convenience stores.

"We're considering giving the benefit to more elderly drivers given the popularity of the campaign", the official added.