Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Local governments compete with rival transit passes
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon explains a plan to introduce "The Gyeonggi Pass" during a parliamentary audit at Gyeonggi Provincial Government office, Tuesday. Courtesy of Gyeonggi Provincial Government
By Jung Da-hyun
Seoul's unlimited transit card faces challenges in Gyeonggi Province, Incheon cooperation
Local governments are intensifying their efforts to offer competitive transit discount systems for their residents.
The latest plan was introduced by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Tuesday, under which it will return 20 percent of commuting expenses for residents and even for those who use it outside the province.
This initiative, linked with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's upcoming K-Pass system planned for next year, focuses on providing enhanced benefits to Gyeonggi Province's residents. The K-Pass offers a 20-percent refund of transportation costs, up to 60 trips, for individuals who use public transportation more than 21 times a month.
As for the Gyeonggi Pass, it unlimitedly allows a 20-percent refund of total transportation expenses for those who use public transportation more than 21 times a month. Furthermore, it offers a 30-percent refund to young people, aged 19 to 39, and a 53-percent refund for low-income groups.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized the superiority of the Gyeonggi Pass over Seoul's unlimited transit pass during a parliamentary audit on Tuesday.
Commuters pass gates at Euljiro 1-ga Station on Subway Line No. 2 in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
This announcement is casting a shadow over Seoul City's plan to launch its unlimited transit card, named Climate Card.
Climate Card, which is scheduled to be introduced in January next year, offers access to all bus routes, subway lines in Seoul, and even the city's bike-sharing service for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($47.86).
However, it has faced ongoing controversy regarding its effectiveness.
Critics argue that the Climate Card's benefits are limited to public transportation only within the Seoul Metropolitan area. Commuters departing from Seoul to areas like Gyeonggi Province and Incheon can use the pass, but not vice versa.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Government claims they are implementing a transportation plan tailored to the province's unique characteristics. The region has various public transportation methods, including city buses, express buses and the Shinbundang Line each with different fare systems.
“Due to the wide regional variation, the refund system is deemed more advantageous for residents than a standard monthly ticket,” said Kim Sang-su, a director of the Transportation Bureau at Gyeonggi Provincial Government.
Incheon has also requested comprehensive research to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Seoul's Climate Card. Based on the findings, the city will decide whether to collaborate with Seoul's unlimited transit card or establish its own discount system, according to Incheon Metropolitan Government.
Seoul City, however, emphasizes that the Climate Card is not a policy that conflicts with other transportation discount systems.
“We understand Gyeonggi Province’s decision and the intent of their independent policy. But we see the Climate Card as an additional option for the public,” said a Seoul City official.
Meanwhile, meetings of the consultative group, discussing cooperation with Gyeonggi Province and Incheon on Seoul's unlimited transit card, will continue, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
On the first meeting, held on Sept. 26, Seoul City, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon agreed to share all related documents and analyze data to evaluate the card's effectiveness.