Seoul's transport card integration plan draws ministry's rebuke

Seoul's plan to merge its popular 'Climate Ticketing Card' with the national 'K-Pass' public transport discount system has sparked a public disagreement with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT).

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It is not true that the K-Pass and Seoul's Climate Ticketing Card will be integrated starting July 1.

MOLIT issued a statement refuting Seoul's announcement that the integration would take effect on July 1. The ministry clarified that the request from Seoul to incorporate the Climate Ticketing Card into the K-Pass system is currently under review by the Metropolitan Transport Committee. MOLIT expressed regret over Seoul's "unilateral announcement" without thorough review, citing numerous factors like budget and system verification that need consideration.

Seoul's transportation policy, championed by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, has been a significant initiative. The city had announced the termination of the original Climate Ticketing Card after two and a half years, intending to launch 'Climate Ticketing Card Plus' next month. This new iteration is designed to be based on the K-Pass system.

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Seoul City unilaterally distributed a press release without thorough review, despite many considerations such as budget and system verification.

Seoul city officials responded by stating that while the term 'integration' might be inappropriate given that 'Climate Ticketing Card Plus' is fundamentally based on the K-Pass, they plan to launch the service after sufficient consultation with the Metropolitan Transport Committee. MOLIT also assured that preparations are underway to ensure Seoul citizens can still receive public transport fee refunds through the K-Pass, even if the city's Climate Ticketing Card project concludes.

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The Metropolitan Transport Committee is preparing to ensure that Seoul citizens can receive public transportation fee refunds through the K-Pass, even if the Seoul City's Climate Ticketing Card project is terminated.