Seoul to Provide Free Public Transport during Heavy Fine Dust 



Seoul will provide free public transportation during commuting hours when the fine dust level goes beyond certain levels starting next month, as part of its efforts to curb air pollution.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday the rush-hour fare exemptions for bus and subway passengers will be introduced to encourage half of commuters driving to work to voluntarily leave their cars at home based on odd-even number plates.

The new program will take effect from July when the daily average density of ultra-fine dust in the capital area goes beyond 50 micrograms and is forecast to be in excess of the level until the next day.

In order to boost citizens’ participation, the city government will provide free bus and subway transport during commuting hours — from the first train or bus to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., though some critics say the measure appears inefficient as the standard is set too high.

South Korea has been grappling with worsening air quality every year, as clouds of fine dust particles, believed to mainly come from the western deserts of China and domestic smog, cover the sky with a yellow haze. The particulates are known to cause various respiratory problems while also affecting the body’s immune system.

The city government will define fine dust as a disaster in a revised ordinance and introduce a new advisory for those who are especially vulnerable to it, such as the elderly and kids.

Starting 2018, the city will allocate 2.9 billion won (US$2.58 million) for 6,284 childcare centers and 488 child welfare institutions to install air purifiers.

Article Source: http://koreabizwire.com/seoul-to-provide-free-public-transport-during-heavy-fine-dust/84677
Image Source: http://koreabizwire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fine-dust.png

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Curb (v.) ~ a check or restraint on something
2. Inefficient (adj.) ~ not achieving maximum productivity wasting or failing to make the best use of time or resources
3. Grapple (v.) ~ struggle with or work hard to deal with or overcome (a difficulty or challenge)
4. Particulate (n.) ~ a very small particle, as of dust or soot
5. Vulnerable (adj.) ~ susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm
6. Allocate (v.) ~ distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is your opinion on the government's effort to curb air pollution in your ｃountry?
2. Do you think that offerring free public transportation would encourage more people to use the bus or subway? Discuss your answer.
3. Aside from this temporary solution to the problem of air pollution, what are the other ways of minimizing this problem in your ｃountry?