South Korea will raise fare caps for intercity and express buses by 9% each from October 1, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the country’s transport ministry, said on the 26th. Operators had sought increases of 17% for intercity buses and 20.1% for express buses, but the ministry approved a smaller adjustment after reviewing cost data and considering the burden on passengers. The ministry cited higher labor and fuel costs, Middle East instability, and the slow recovery in demand after COVID-19. Passenger numbers are down 50% for intercity buses and 30% for express buses, while routes have declined 4.7% and 21%, respectively. MOLIT said the fare adjustment is needed to slow route cancellations and improve operators’ finances, and it plans to support essential routes while encouraging investment in new routes and better services.