▲ Design of the Climate Card Plus
The "Climate Card Plus," which combines the advantages of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Climate Card and the national government's "Modu Card" (K-Pass), will be launched.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the plan during a briefing at City Hall, stating, "By integrating two systems with similar purposes and functions, we expect to enable more efficient operations by reducing public confusion and minimizing administrative waste."
The Climate Card Plus expands choices and increases benefits compared to the existing Climate Card by automatically applying either a rebate-based or a flat-rate model, depending on the user's transit spending habits and usage patterns.
If monthly public transit spending is less than 62,000 won, users will receive a 20% rebate, similar to the Modu Card system.
Young adults, adolescents, multi-child families, and low-income individuals will receive a rebate of up to 53.3%.
If monthly spending exceeds 62,000 won, users can enjoy unlimited access to public transit within Seoul, just as they did with the original Climate Card.
In addition, a "Plus Flat-Rate Pass" priced at 100,000 won per month will be introduced for citizens who frequently use regional transit options, such as metropolitan buses or regional railways, where fares are typically in the 3,000-won range.
Benefits previously provided to Climate Card users—such as discounts for the public bicycle service "Ttareungi," as well as discounts for Seoul Dal (the moon-shaped balloon), the Seoul Botanic Park, and Seoul Grand Park—will be maintained for the Climate Card Plus.
The youth discount will be expanded to include those aged 35 to 39, as well as discharged military personnel (up to age 42).
Existing Climate Cards can be topped up and used until the end of July, while postpaid Climate Cards can be used until the end of August.
All services for the original cards will be terminated on September 1.
Consequently, current Climate Card users will need to obtain the new Climate Card Plus, while existing Modu Card users will receive the benefits of the Climate Card Plus without needing to issue a new card.
However, unlike the original Climate Card, which could be used by anyone regardless of their place of residence, the discount and rebate benefits of the Climate Card Plus will be provided exclusively to Seoul residents.
To obtain and use the Climate Card Plus, users can apply through 21 credit card companies or download one of six mobile apps to use it as a prepaid card.
Prepaid cards will also be sold at convenience stores.
Mobile cards will be available for issuance and use through the "Mobile T-money" app starting on the 1st of next month.
Yeo Jang-kwon, Head of the Climate & Environment Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Through the Climate Card Plus, we will ensure that citizens can use public transit more conveniently and economically by maintaining existing benefits while adding nationwide usage and rebate options."
(Photo: Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.