Seoul, Gyeonggi in gridlock over public transportation pass

A signboard, showing subway line routes that are part of Seoul's unlimited public transportation pass, stands at City Hall Station in Seoul, Feb. 25. Yonhap

Seoul and Gyeonggi Province seem engaged in a continuous clash over the city's new unlimited public transportation pass.

On Monday, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon criticized Seoul's push for the province to be included in the Climate Card program, calling Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's efforts politically motivated.

The Climate Card, the official name of the public transportation pass, was introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in January. The pass enables unlimited access to all bus routes and subway lines in the city, including the public bike-sharing service known as Ttareungyi, for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($49.5), or 62,000 won without the bike service.

After the service's launch, debates sparked over the area it covers, which was initially limited to Seoul only.

As many commuters frequently travel between Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon, the Seoul Metropolitan Government sought cooperation with neighboring local governments to address citizens' confusion concerning the card's coverage area.

Gimpo, Guri and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon have signed a business agreement to join Seoul's unlimited public transportation pass system. This will allow the Climate Card to be used across express buses and subway lines within these areas.

Despite repeated proposals from Seoul, Gyeonggi Province's participation has been stalled for months now.

Kim questioned Seoul's approach of alleging that the province is not cooperating with the city.

He mentioned the consensus reached in November last year with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the mayors of Seoul and Incheon and himself, which recognized the impracticality of a unified transit pass due to differing cities and province transportation fare systems.

"It's unusual for Seoul to criticize the province for not cooperating with the city's unlimited transit card. This contradicts the four-party agreement made last year," Kim said.

In response, Oh said that the commuting woes of Gyeonggi residents should not be politicized, advocating for practical discussions to enhance the quality of life of the citizens.

Oh, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, criticized Kim, saying that the governor believes the Gyeonggi Pass is sufficient for commuter needs.

Oh added that contrary to Kim's belief, the province's transit pass may not be sufficient.

He highlighted efforts by the city government to alleviate the economic pressures on residents of both Seoul and Gyeonggi, who take part in economic activities in Seoul. Oh also expressed bewilderment over Gyeonggi Province's refusal to engage in discussions with the government, insisting instead on the exclusive use of the province's transit pass system.

The Gyeonggi Pass, set to launch in May, is designed to offer a 20 percent refund on users' total transportation costs, with an increased refund for young people from 19 to 39 years old. This service is exclusively available to residents of Gyeonggi Province.

"When two policies serve similar functions, it's prudent to seek efficiency through complementation, not confrontation," Oh said.