Seoul’s Climate Card transit pass to go into full-fledged operations next month

An all-inclusive monthly transit pass has proven successful during a four-month trial run and will go into full-fledged operations next month with more diverse choices for users, the Seoul city government said Wednesday. The Climate Card went into service on Jan. 27 on a pilot basis as part of efforts to reduce transportation fees and tackle climate change. It has since positioned itself as one of the city's landmark policies, exceeding the 1 million mark in cumulative sales in just 70 days of its launch, officials said. An average of 540,000 people used the card daily on weekdays, and the users saved nearly 30,000 won in monthly average for their transit fares, according to data collected by the city government as of last month. A survey conducted on 1,910 users showed 68 percent said their outdoor activities increased by 1.3 times a week after using the pass, and they instead increased their spending in dining out and shopping, amounting to nearly 80.2 billion won in economic effects across all industri es over the four months, officials said. Of the respondents, 37.6 percent said they have cut down on driving by about 11.8 times a month. The transit pass will also be available in daily passes starting next month, offering one, two, three, five, and seven-day passes, with the price ranging from 5,000 won for the one-day pass to 20,000 won for the seven-day pass. Those aged between 19 and 39 can use the Climate Card with a discounted price of 55,000 won without access to the city's Ddareungi bicycle-sharing service, or pay an extra 3,000 won to get access to the service. The city will also offer more benefits for users, such as discounts at cultural facilities, including 50 percent off admissions to the Seoul Botanic Park, and 20 percent off a musical show. The rechargeable pass is available for use on all subway lines in Seoul, including Line 1 to Line 9, and the Gyeongui-Jungang and Bundang Lines, except the Shinbundang Line connecting southern Seoul to Gwanggyo, south of Seoul, which has a higher fare system. Users can also access the Gimpo Goldline with this pass. The city plans to continue discussing with nearby counties and cities to expand the range of the transit pass and launch a deferred payment option with check and credit card functions later this year. Source: Yonhap News Agency