Seoul to offer discount on Climate Card for young commuters

A citizen uses a Climate Card to use the subway at City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, last month.

Seoul will offer its Climate Card at more reasonable prices for young adults from February 26.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 21st that those aged between 19 and 34 will be able to have unlimited access to its public transportation for 55,000 won, which is 7,000 won cheaper than the regular version of the monthly transit pass.

The young commuters can purchase the unlimited transit pass at either 55,000 won, excluding the use of Seoul's public bicycle Ttareungi, or 58,000 won, including Ttareungi. This is about 12 percent cheaper than the regular Climate Card, which costs at 62,000 won and 65,000 won depending on the use of the capital’s public bicycle. Those born between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 2005 can purchase the transit pass at a discount price for young commuters regardless of where they live and ride Seoul’s subway and buses unlimitedly regardless of where they live.

Seoul launched its unlimited transit pass on January 27. As of the 18th, 422,000 Climate Cards have been sold, with young people in their 20s and 30s accounting for half of the purchasers. This is because they travel a lot, such as commuting to work and going out, and can save a lot of money on transportation costs.

An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Government said, "Young adults who are taking their first steps into society do many activities, such as studying and job hunting, but their income is relatively low, so we aim to lower their burden of transportation costs through discounts for the age group,” adding, “In the spring, festivals and outings are expected to increase, and the use of public transportation is also expected to increase."

Since half of the users are eligible for the discount, the budget is expected to be nearly twice as large as it was initially designed, as the price effect will attract more young people. Seoul has budgeted 40.1 billion won this year for the Climate Card, which also covers the decreased costs of using the transit pass.

"The 7,000 won discount for existing users will cost 25 billion won per year and 10.8 billion won per year due to the additional purchase of young people following the sale of the discounted pass,” said Lee Jin-gu, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Transportation Policy Department. ”We plan to consult with the budget department for additional costs of 35 billion won to 36 billion won per year."

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.