Seoul officials consider raising transport fares

Public transportation fees in the capital city are expected to increase for the first time in three years, the local government said.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Friday that it is reviewing whether to raise fares on subways and buses in Seoul. The last increase was implemented in February 2012.

According to the government, adult fees have not yet been determined. Current subway and bus fares are 1,050 won ($0.95) per trip, while express buses cost 1,850 won per ride.

Officials are considering raising student fees from 720 to 800 won, and possibly child fees, from the current 450 won to 500 won.

The city government will conduct negotiations by June with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Incheon Metropolitan Government, from which many residents commute to Seoul by express buses.

A city government official also dismissed reports by some Korean media outlets that outlined a specific fare hike plan. Reports said the city government was reviewing a 200 won increase for buses, a 300 won raise for subways and a 550 won hike for express buses.

The official added that this was just one suggestion, considering a number of economic aspects, and that the increase amount had not yet been decided.

BY JANG HYEOK-JIN [nam.yoonseo@joongang.co.kr]