Yongin Light Rail Youth and Children Fares Reduced Starting Next Month 7

Youth 160 Won, Children 100 Won 'Separate Fees' to Be Eliminated
Basic Fare Increase Raises Adult Fare from 1450 to 1600 Won

Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province will reduce youth and children fares on the Yongin Light Rail starting from the 7th of next month. The city has decided to abolish the 'separate fare' currently charged at 160 won for youth and 100 won for children.

Yongin City reduced its budget through operator change and refinancing, showing the operation of the Yongin Light Rail Transit.

Yongin City announced on the 20th that this decision was made to reduce the increased transportation costs for citizens due to the upcoming increase in the basic fare of metropolitan area subways, effective from the 7th of next month.

The 'separate fare' was introduced by the city in 2014 to overcome the decrease in light rail fare revenue following the implementation of the metropolitan area integrated transfer system. Accordingly, subway passengers had to pay an additional separate fare of ▲200 won for adults ▲160 won for youth ▲100 won for children on top of the basic fare and distance-based additional charges when using the Yongin Light Rail.

With the increase in the basic fare of metropolitan area subways, youth fares will rise from 880 won (based on transportation card) to 960 won, and children fares from 550 won to 600 won. However, with the abolition of the separate fare, youth will only pay 800 won and children 500 won. This means the fares will actually be 80 won and 50 won lower than the current rates, respectively.

According to the city, the number of youth and children passengers using the Yongin Light Rail was 1,240,900 as of last year.

However, the separate fare of 200 won for adults will be maintained for the time being. Therefore, from the 7th of next month, the fare for adults using the Yongin Light Rail will increase from the current 1,450 won to 1,600 won.

The city also explained that it is positively considering abolishing the separate fare for adults when the additional fare increase for metropolitan area subways is announced in October 2024.

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin City, said, “We have continuously reviewed the abolition of the separate fare system, but it was difficult to decide due to operational deficits caused by legally mandated free rides and the metropolitan area integrated transfer discount. However, we will actively promote the complete abolition of the separate fare system in the future to provide real benefits to citizens.”