Will Seoul's new transportation services improve convenience for commuters?
People pass through turnstiles at a Seoul Metro station, Nov. 12. Yonhap
Seoul's upcoming transportation initiatives, aimed at enhancing commuter convenience, are slated for full implementation next year, eagerly anticipated as they await commuter evaluation.
The unlimited transit card, known as the Climate Card, will provide access to all bus routes, subway lines in Seoul and even the city's public bike-sharing service Ttareungyi for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($49.85) starting next month.
Initially criticized for limiting its coverage to public transportation within the Seoul metropolitan area, the card's scope is expected to be expanded with Incheon joining recently. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok signed a business agreement for the transportation sector during their meeting on Nov. 17, fostering expectations of broader service coverage in Incheon.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the two cities have agreed to progressively broaden the unlimited transit service by including extra buses during the pilot project period from January to May next year.
Under the existing transportation system, the younger demographic tends to utilize the transit discount service operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This service provides a 20 percent reimbursement based on the distance traveled for those using public transportation more than 15 times a month, with credit card companies offering an additional 10 percent discount.
"Transportation fees are increasingly high, so it's better to receive benefits such as discounts or support transportation costs through transportation policies," said Han Sol, an office worker commuting from Siheung in Gyeonggi Province to Seoul.
Despite the existing discount system, people find inconveniences within the land ministry's system. To use a refund service, individuals need to download a separate application on their phones and register departure and arrival details before tagging their card. Some feel the amount refunded is insufficient given their significant monthly transportation expenses.
“For me, I pay an average of 230,000 won per month, using the Shinbundang Line and Seoul Metro Line 9 every day. I only get a 30,000 won refund every month,” said Kang Da-eun, an office worker who works in Yeouido and lives in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
While some remain skeptical about the Climate Card's effectiveness due to its price and limited coverage areas, others, like Kang, believe it could boost convenience and cost-effectiveness for commuters.
However, there are still lingering concerns about the effectiveness of the card as Gyeonggi Province has not yet agreed to join Seoul's unlimited transit card plan. Instead, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced its independent initiative for a discount service on transportation fees for its residents on Oct. 17.
Kim Jin-yoo, a professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Transportation Engineering at Kyonggi University, highlighted that Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon need to integrate and advance this plan for the economic benefits, alleviating the financial burden on people's transportation costs.
“Integration should occur, even if it's just for certain transportation networks like metropolitan railways or buses connecting Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon,” Kim said.
Commuters board a bus that connects areas in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul during morning rush hour at Pungmu-dong in Gimpo, Aug. 21. Yonhap
As part of Seoul's new transportation plan, the routes of commuter buses connecting areas in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul during morning rush hour have also been expanded.
Initially operating with two lines, connecting Hwaseong to Gangnam and Pungmu-dong in Gimpo to Gimpo International Airport station, the service now boasts four additional routes, aiming to expand the operational area and cover a wide area from southern to northern Gyeonggi Province.
Approximately 22,918 people are currently using this expanded bus service during rush hour as of Friday, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, second from right, rides a river bus, one of the main transport modes connecting the east and west ends of London, March 14. Yonhap
River Bus
In addition to the expanded bus routes, the River Bus, designed to cover the route from Ara Han River Gabmun dock to Yeouido within 30 minutes, is set to be actively promoted to commence operations in September next year.
Capable of carrying approximately 200 people at a time, the River Bus is viewed as a solution to alleviate the recent traffic congestion caused by the influx of commuters on the Gimpo Goldline subway during peak hours, as per the Seoul Metropolitan Government's objective. It is anticipated that the River Bus will contribute to reducing travel times compared to land-based buses.
In addition to the wide-area route connecting Gimpo and Seoul, another route linking major residential, business and tourist areas in downtown Seoul — such as Mapo, Yeouido, Jamwon and Jamsil — will also commence operations, according to the city.
The usage fee for the river bus will be paid via the same transportation card as land services, including buses and subways. Discussions with Incheon Metropolitan City and Gyeonggi Province are underway to facilitate seamless transfers.
Despite these plans, experts express concerns about the effectiveness of the River Bus as a transportation means. Worries center around the potential reluctance of citizens without direct access to public transportation routes leading to the wharves, which could result in the mismanagement of budgetary resources.
"There are many factors to consider, such as transfers and the designation of landing spots. Due to its limited capacity, the impact on reducing traffic congestion may be marginal compared to the operational costs," said Jang Jae-min, representative director of the Korea Institute for Urban Policy.