Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter|
The basic subway fare in the Seoul metropolitan area including Incheon and Gyeonggi is going to rise 12% percent, 1,400 won ($1.03) from the current 1,250 won starting this Saturday, according to the Seoul municipal government on Tuesday.
This rise marks the first subway fare hike in eight years since 2015, comes after the rise of bus fares at least 300 won in August by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
According to the announcement, the adults using subway and buses for travel in greater Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi will pay 1,400 won, up from the current 1,250 won.
The children between the ages of 6 to 12 will upped from 450 won to 500 won. While the teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 will pay the fare with rise of 720 won to 800 won will be implemented for the first time in 16 years.
Those aged 5 or younger or 65 or older will enjoy free travel through the subway system after the fare hike plan.
Prices for single-ride tickets and monthly passes for subways will also be affected as per Seoul's public transit authorities. Those who purchase a single-ride ticket will be charged 1,500 won for travel of up to 10 kilometers. An additional 100 won is charged for each additional 5 kilometers on the transit system, which allows for travel of up to 200 kilometers.
Extra fare on Bus and subway will not be separately charged for the eligible transportation card holders if they transfer within the duration of 30 minutes.
The basic fare for a 60-ride monthly pass will also be increase from 55,000 won to 61,600 won. These monthly passes are sold at 18 different prices depending on the travel distances. The cheapest pass option costs 55,000 won right now, allows passengers to travel up to 20 kilometers (12 miles).
But users who have topped up these passes before Oct. 7 will be able to use them at the current base fare until they use up the money.
The increased fare hike comes amid the city government’s plan to introduce a transportation card called the “climate companion card” that will allow passengers unlimited public transportation rides include buses, subways, public bicycles and even water buses just by paying 65,000 won ($49) per month.
The card will be released in January for a five-month trial and will only be able usable in the capital city of Seoul if other local governments refuse to join. But Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul expressed his belief that the other regions will “ultimately agree and adopt the new system.”
