Seoul City to raise transportation fares

Seoul City said Thursday it would hike transportation fares after months of discussion over balancing the budget deficit and public resistance.

Seoul Metropolitan Government said subway fares would be raised by 200 won ($0.18) and bus fares by 150 won starting from June 27. The basic fee of both subway and bus fares is currently 1,050 won for adults.

This is the capital’s first public transportation fare hike in three years. The city has recently faced public resistance for not gathering public opinion over raising the fee.

Nighttime bus fares will rise from 1,850 won to 2,150 won, and inter-city bus from 1,850 won to 2,300 won.

Children’s fares will remain the same.

As part of the efforts to lessen the fee burden and relieve the rush hour congestion, the city will offer a 20 percent discount for passengers taking the public transportation before 6:30 a.m.

The free ride service will also be expanded to green card holders aged 65 or older. About 2,200 passengers are expected to benefit from the new rule, the city said.

By Lee Hyun-jeong(rene@heraldcorp.com)