Public service charges to rise in 2015

Public service charges such as subway fares and water and sewer bills will increase in 2015.

State-run companies and local governments, which have suspended raising public service costs for the recent few years, have decided to raise charges by taking advantage of continued low prices.

According to local governments on Sunday, the Seoul metropolitan government considers tying a price increase to subway fares, while Incheon and Daegu are reviewing an 18 to 20 percent raise in subway fares. Local governments are also likely to raise bus fares as well. Water and sewer bills will also follow in sequence.