Seoul to launch unlimited transit pass in late January

The image of the design of Climate Card / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch an unlimited transit pass, dubbed the Climate Card, on a pilot basis on Jan. 27 next year to enhance commuter convenience, the city government said Tuesday.

The unlimited transit card will provide access to all bus routes and subway lines in Seoul for a monthly fee of 62,000 won ($47). Access to the city's public bike-sharing service, Ttareungyi, can be added too, bringing the total monthly fee to 65,000 won.

The city government originally planned to begin the pilot service on Jan. 1. The delay is attributed to the slower-than-expected development of the transportation pass system by the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL).

The expanded card will now include not only Seoul Metro lines 1 to 9 but also the lines operated by KORAIL, covering certain areas of Line 1, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Suin-Bundang Line and the Gyeongchun Line, which collectively constitute 20 percent of Seoul Metro's lines.

This decision addresses the concerns of citizens who might have to check station by station for the availability of the unlimited transit card service.

However, the Shinbundang Line remains excluded, even within the Seoul section, due to a different basic fare structure.

Buses can be used without limit with the pass throughout the capital.

However, express buses with a different fare system and those licensed in cities outside Seoul, as well as late-night buses will be excluded.

"The fare system for night buses is different, at 2,150 won, and therefore, it is not included," said Yoon Jong-jang, who heads the City Transportation Office at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. "However, efforts are being made to incorporate it during the pilot project starting on Jan. 27."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, right, and Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo pose after signing an agreement to include the Gimpo Goldline and Gimpo Metropolitan Bus in the unlimited transit pass known as Climate Card at Seoul City Hall, Dec. 7. Yonhap

In addition, addressing concerns that the initial plan only benefited Seoul residents, the city government entered into a business agreement with Incheon in November, with Incheon committing to the Climate Card system as well.

Subsequently, on Dec. 7, Gimpo also signed an agreement on the inclusion of the Gimpo Goldline and Gimpo express buses. Gimpo, located in Gyeonggi Province, aspires to eventually merge with the capital city.

The Seoul city government said it will carry out active consultations with these two local governments during the pilot period to expand the scope of the card's use to further accommodate citizens commuting from Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

Mobile cards can be downloaded starting Jan. 23, five days before implementation.

Android users can download the Tmoney app and transfer the card's monthly fee to use the service. The date of use should be designated within five days.

However, iOS users will need to use a physical card, as iOS-based smartphones are not equipped with a mobile transportation card function.

Physical cards will be available for purchase at 3,000 won from customer safety centers in subway stations of lines 1 to 8. Efforts are underway to make them available at convenience stores in Seoul for those who don't take those lines, according to the city government.