Fare Discount for Seocho Residents Using Gangnam, Yangjae, Simin Forest, and Cheonggyesan Entrance Stations
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seocho District Council members Ahn Jong-suk (Democratic Party, Yangjae 1·2, Naegok, Umyeon-dong) and Kim Jung-woo (Democratic Party, Seocho 2-dong, Seocho 4-dong) proposed an ordinance to support fares on the Shinbundang Line to reduce the economic burden on Seocho residents using the subway ahead of the February extraordinary session.
The Shinbundang Line opened in 2011, and in addition to the basic metropolitan subway fare of 1,250 won, an additional fare of 1,000 won is charged for the first phase section. Seocho residents using the four stations within Seoul city limits had to pay an additional fare even if they used only one station.
The Shinbundang Line fare support ordinance allows a 50% discount on the additional fare only for Seocho residents who have obtained a dedicated transportation card through a business agreement between Seocho District and the private operator.
According to data from the Shinbundang Line, the average daily number of passengers boarding or transferring at the four stations?Gangnam, Yangjae, Yangjae Citizen's Forest (Maeheon), and Cheonggyesan Entrance?is 21,484. Estimating that 20% of these passengers are Seocho residents, the annual budget required is expected to be 784 million won.
According to Councilman Kim Jung-woo, who co-proposed the ordinance, compared to the astronomical budgets required by local governments for private lines such as the Ui Light Rail, Uijeongbu Light Rail, and Gimpo Gold Line, the Shinbundang Line fare support is at a level that can be sufficiently implemented to improve the welfare of Seocho residents.
Also, although residents of Seocho, Yangjae, and Naegok will mainly benefit at first, the Shinbundang Line is scheduled to be extended to Sinnonhyeon, Nonhyeon, and Sinsa stations in 2022, which is expected to expand the coverage to residents of Banpo and Jamwon-dong as well.
Councilman Kim said, "Along with the toll support ordinance for the Umyeonsan Tunnel, which was previously proposed by Councilwoman Ahn Jong-suk, the council and the executive branch should promptly and proactively begin reviewing the ordinances to improve residents' mobility convenience and reflect them in next year’s budget."
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