Gimhae City faces a mounting financial crisis as its light rail transit system has accumulated over 500 billion won in operating losses since opening. Mayor-elect Jeong Young-du has proposed a joint effort with Busan to secure national government subsidies, aiming to alleviate the burden on local taxpayers.
Jeong outlined his strategy in a recent interview, emphasizing the need for a metropolitan approach to transit funding. "We cannot solve this alone. By aligning with Busan, we can present a stronger case to the central government for fiscal support," he said.
The light rail line, which connects key areas in Gimhae, has struggled with low ridership and high operational costs, forcing the city to cover deficits with taxpayer money. Critics argue that the project's feasibility was overestimated, while supporters see it as a long-term investment in regional connectivity.
The mayor-elect's proposal comes amid broader discussions on balancing local budgets and improving public transit efficiency in South Korea's southeastern region.