3,950 Cases of Misuse Detected from January to May This Year
Stronger Crackdown with "Youth Discount" Audio Notification at Gates
It has been revealed that there have already been approximately 4,000 cases of misuse of the unlimited public transportation pass, the Seoul Climate Companion Card, operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, just this year. Typical examples include individuals who are not eligible for the youth pass using it, or multiple people sharing a single card. There are concerns that the purpose of Seoul’s eco-friendly transportation policy is being undermined by some users’ circumvention of the rules.
According to Seoul Metro on June 24, a total of 3,950 cases of misuse of the Climate Companion Card on the subway were detected between January and May this year. Fare evasion is detected either by station staff directly checking at the ticket gates or by real-time monitoring of closed-circuit television (CCTV) and ticket gate activity to spot suspected card misuse. The number of cases detected this year has surged compared to last year, when only 11 cases were recorded before full-scale enforcement began.
The Climate Companion Card is a monthly pass that allows unlimited use of public transportation such as buses and subways for 62,000 won for 30 days (excluding the Ttareungi bike-sharing service). Its affordable price and unlimited access have made it very popular among citizens. In particular, young people aged 19 to 39 can use the card at a discounted price of 55,000 won, making it a key commuting and school transportation option for the youth. As of April this year, an average of 850,000 people use the card daily.
Although the card has become both a key eco-friendly transportation policy and an essential item for citizens, misuse continues, such as ineligible individuals using the youth pass or multiple people sharing a single card. Another issue is that there is currently no fundamental way to prevent this type of fare evasion.
To reduce misuse, Seoul Metro plans to add an audio announcement saying "Youth Discount" at subway gates when a youth Climate Companion Card is tapped, in addition to the existing beeping sound. This is intended to help station staff immediately identify potential misuse on site. After pilot testing at select stations through July, the system will be expanded to all Seoul subway stations.
If misuse of the Climate Companion Card is detected, a surcharge of 30 times the regular fare is imposed, the same as for other types of fare evasion. In addition, Seoul Metro plans to continue recommending to the National Assembly an amendment to the Railroad Business Act that would raise the maximum fare evasion penalty to 50 times the fare. The company is also introducing internal incentive programs, such as awarding extra points in training selection to employees with outstanding enforcement records, to strengthen enforcement efforts. A Seoul Metro official stated, "We will strengthen enforcement and continue to supplement measures to prevent misuse of the Climate Companion Card."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
