Pilot Operation Begins in September...
Full Implementation Scheduled for January Next Year
Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province (Mayor Jung Kimyung), announced on July 3 that it will fully implement "Cashless City Buses" starting January 1 next year.
The city explained that the use of transportation cards has already become widespread due to programs such as the "Free Bus for Seniors" and the "100 Won Bus for Youth." As a result, the cash usage rate has decreased to 5.9%. Therefore, the city plans to operate the system to prevent safety accidents and delays caused by cash payments in advance, reduce the maintenance costs of cash fare boxes for transportation companies, and enhance services for bus passengers.
In addition, with the full-scale overhaul of city bus routes for the first time in 26 years starting next year, the city plans to use bus usage data accumulated on card terminals to revise and supplement the routes.
Passengers without transportation cards can either pay their fare via bank transfer using instructions posted inside the bus, or immediately purchase and use a prepaid card (loaded with 5,000 to 6,500 won, including the card fee) from the bus crew.
To minimize confusion among cash users, the city will post notices containing QR codes for issuing mobile transportation cards on 194 buses and at 850 bus stops by next month. The city also plans to promote the program through various channels, including the city website, social media, Bus Information Terminals (BIT), and village broadcasts.
Additionally, the city will conduct two pilot operations, each lasting two months, between September and December. After analyzing the effectiveness and identifying any issues, the city will incorporate improvements before full implementation next year.
A city official stated, "Since this initiative is being promoted to provide safe and convenient public transportation, we will make every effort to prevent any inconvenience to citizens by conducting advance publicity and thoroughly training transportation staff on customer service."
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