Expansion of Age Eligibility for Mobile Card Targeting Youth in the 50,000 KRW Range
Refund Method for Usage Amount Until the End of June Pilot Period
From July, Discount Amount Can Be Charged Directly
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 28th that it will expand the discount eligibility for the Climate Companion Card for youth from ages 19-34 to up to 39 years old. The plan aims to reduce transportation costs for more young people and increase new participants in the Climate Companion Card program.
The Climate Companion Card is a transportation card that allows unlimited use of Seoul's public transportation, including Ddareungi bike-sharing, for 65,000 KRW per month. It was launched on January 27 and is currently in a pilot operation phase. Since the service started, cumulative sales have surpassed 1 million cards as of the 5th of this month, showing widespread use among Seoul citizens.
Seoul City is paying attention to the fact that vehicle ownership among youth aged 35-39 is significantly higher than other youth age groups. The city believes that expanding the discount eligibility will achieve both goals of easing transportation costs for youth and responding to the climate crisis.
Youth aged 35-39 who newly qualify for the discount will receive a refund of 7,000 KRW (discount amount) multiplied by the number of months used after July, following the use of the regular fare. The refund is retroactive from February 26, the start date of the youth discount application, covering all usage during the pilot project period. Eligible cards must be mobile or physical cards registered under the youth’s name, and from July, refund applications can be made on the T-money website. Refunds apply only for months where the card was used for a full 30 days without cancellation.
Starting in July, users will be able to recharge at a discounted price in the 50,000 KRW range. Both mobile and physical cards can be age-verified and registered with the card number on the T-money website, where users can easily select the youth fare type when recharging. There are two types of youth fare cards: a 58,000 KRW card that includes unlimited use of Ddareungi bikes and a 55,000 KRW card that excludes it. Users can purchase according to their usage patterns and conveniently use unlimited public transportation within Seoul.
Additionally, Seoul plans to strengthen the "one person, one card" principle to prevent misuse following the expansion of youth discounts. Youth users can register and use only one card, either mobile or physical, and registered information must be verified through identity authentication every six months. Yoon Jong-jang, Director of Seoul City’s Urban Transportation Office, stated, "This system improvement will allow more young people to enjoy transportation cost savings and contribute to climate response. We will continue to do our best so that the 2030 youth generation can accompany Seoul’s sustainable future through the Climate Companion Card."
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