The Seoul Metropolitan Government reported on the 26th that the Climate Companion Card has surpassed 7.56 million cumulative top-ups just one year after its launch. During the same period, the number of activated cards reached 700,000, and the average daily users totaled 600,000. The Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that this means one in seven users of public transportation in Seoul is using the Climate Companion Card.
The Climate Companion Card is a transportation pass that allows unlimited rides on Seoul's subways and buses for about 60,000 won per month.
According to an analysis by the Seoul Institute, users of the Climate Companion Card have saved about 30,000 won in transportation costs each month. Furthermore, they have reduced their car usage by an average of approximately 11.8 times per month, resulting in an annual decrease of about 30,000 tons of greenhouse gases.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to continuously expand the areas and transport modes where the Climate Companion Card can be used this year. They are preparing improvements to the system with the goal of applying it to the subway lines in Seongnam and Uijeongbu during the first half of the year.
Additionally, the Climate Companion Card will be usable on the 'Han River Bus,' the first water transportation option on the Han River.
Yeo Jang-gwon, head of the Seoul Transport Division, noted, "Over the past year, the Climate Companion Card has successfully achieved two purposes: responding to the climate crisis and enhancing transportation welfare, thus proving its effectiveness and value. This year, we will develop it into a transportation welfare service that all residents of the metropolitan area can use conveniently and efficiently."
Meanwhile, to celebrate the first anniversary of the Climate Companion Card's launch, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold an event from the 27th of this month to February 7, offering chicken and cola set coupons to 365 participants who write excellent reviews about the card. Those wishing to participate can access the event through the QR code on the event image or the event page.