Bus, subway fares in capital area rise from today

Starting Saturday, bus and subway fares in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi will be increased by at least 150 won (13 cents) per ride.

This is the first time the country’s local governments have raised fares in about three years.

The increase varies depending on the region and type of transportation.

In Seoul, the basic rate for both the bus and the subway was 1,050 won, but from today, a charge of 1,200 won for buses and 1,250 for the subway will be deducted from a passenger’s transportation card at the beginning of his or her journey.

As in the previous system, passengers may travel less than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on the basic fare, after which an additional 100 won will be charged every 5 kilometers.

Night bus fare will cost 2,150 won, up from 1,850 won, and red buses that travel to neighboring cities will administer a 2,300 won fee, also up from 1,850 won. Fares for town buses that travel within the district will rise from 750 won to 900 won per ride.

The basic rate for buses in Incheon and Gyeonggi was formerly 1,100 won. It will increase to 1,250 won starting from today. Gyeonggi, where many residents commute to Seoul, also operates red buses, for which fares will rise from 2,000 won to 2,400 won.

M Buses, intercity buses operated by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, will now charge basic rates of 2,400 won, up from 2,000 won, with an additional 700 won added based on distance.

The buses in Seoul and Gyeonggi will also provide discounts for early morning commuters. Passengers using transportation cards on any type of transportation in Seoul before 6:30 a.m. will be given a discount of about 20 percent on the basic rate; those in Gyeonggi will be given a 400 won discount on red buses before 6:30 a.m.

Fares for teenagers and children will remain the same: 720 won and 450 won, respectively.

BY KIM BONG-MOON [kim.bongmoon@joongang.co.kr]