Recently, the mayor of Seoul executed Emergency Reduction Measures for Fine Dust to reduce damage to residents in Seoul caused by fine dust. This measure consisted of two methods. One of them was that Seoul let people use public transportation for free during commuting time. Another method was that the city enforces a 2-day driving rotation system. It enforces cars that have odd number as their last number on their number plates to drive in only odd number days, whereas those with even numbers are encouraged to drive only on even number days. The 2-day driving rotation system induces or recommends voluntary participation from civilian cars, but government administrative or public agency's vehicles are obliged to follow the policy. However, since free public transportation during commuting time is applied to all, this article will deal with free public transportation only. It seems evident that there are pros and cons of the policy. There are two different sides for the assessment of it. Some say that it is an appropriate action, because it can reduce fine dust even if it is in a small quantity. Others say that it is useless as it only provides the original people who use public transportation with free transportation. The key issue regarding the appropriateness of it is, “What is the main cause of fine dust, the effectiveness of the solution and its cost?” Was the response that the Seoul government executed to inhibit fine dust reasonable? Due to different opinions on the matter, it’s crucial to examine the pros and cons in order to fully understand the scope of its effect and decide whether if it is an appropriate counter measure to the current situation.
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