New Bus System of Seoul

New Bus System of Seoul

▒ Seoul Introduces New City Bus System

On July 1, 2004, the Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced the newly adjusted public transportation system. Five key points characterize the system overhaul: 1) Bus routes have been simplified; 2) Four different categories of buses have been established; 3) The current fixed-rate bus fare system has been replaced by a differentiated fare scheme based on distance traveled. The subway fare is integrated with the bus fare system. 4) The bus numbers indicate districts in Seoul, which will enable passengers to identify the bus departure point and destination; and 5) The installation of a satellite communications system will enable passenger to check bus arrival times at bus stations or destinations using mobile phones or PDAs.

Feature (5) will have limited convenience for foreigners due to the lack of foreign language support.

▒ Division of Seoul into District Areas

* A total of 8 Seoul District Area Numbers No. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ward Jongno-gu Jung-gu Yongsan-gu Dobong-gu Gangbuk-gu Seongbuk-gu Nowon- gu Dongdaemun-gu Jungnang-gu Seongdong- gu Gwangjin-gu Gangdong-gu Songpa-gu Seocho-gu Gangnam-gu Dongjak-gu Gwanak-gu Geumcheon-gu Gangseo-gu Yangcheon-gu Yeongdeungpo- gu Guro-gu Eunpyeong-gu Mapo-gu Seodaemun-gu

* A total of 7 Suburban Area Numbers No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 City Uijeongbu-si Yangju-si Pocheon-si Guri-si Namyangju-si Hanam-si Gwangju-si Seongnam-si Yongin-si Anyang-si Gwacheon-si Uiwang-si Ansan- si Gunpo-si Suwon-si Incheon Bucheon-si Gimpo-si Gwangmyeong- si Siheung-si Paju-si Goyang-si

▒ Seoul City Bus Numbering System

Type of Bus Numbering System Blue Bus 3-digit number : Departure + Destination + Bus ID (0~9) Example) 048 0: This bus starts from District Area 0 (Jongno, Junggu, Yongsan) 4 : 4: This bus heads for District Area 4 (Seocho, Gangnam) 8: Bus ID number Green Bus 4-digit number: Departure + Destination + Bus ID (11~99) Example) 1013 1: This bus starts from District Area 1 (Dobong, Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Nowon) 0: This bus heads for District Area 4 (Jongno, Junggu, Yongsan) 12: Bus ID number Red Bus 4-digit number: 9 (Suburban Area) + Departure + Bus ID (00~99) Example) 9112 9: The first number 9 means this bus serves suburban areas 1: This bus starts from Suburban Area 1 (Uijeongbu, Yangju, Pocheon) 12: Bus ID number Yellow Bus 2-digit number: District + Bus ID (1~9) (1~9) Example) 01 0: This bus circles District Area 0 (Jongno, Junggu, Yongsan) 1: Bus ID number

▒ Type of Bus & Bus Fares (When there is no transfer, base fare stated below is applied regardless of distance)

Blue Bus Service Blue buses travel on major arterial roads (long distances) within Seoul and serve more than two districts. Fare 19+ 13~18 7~12 6- Card 900 720 450 Free Cash 1,000 1,000 450 Free Green Bus Service Green buses operate on branch lines within one district of Seoul, carrying passengers to transfer points. Fare 19+ 13~18 7~12 6- Card 900 720 450 Free Cash 1,000 1,000 450 Free Red Bus Service Red buses are express buses connecting Seoul with suburban areas. The service is rapid and comfortable, but there is no transfer discount. Fare 19+ 13~18 7~12 6- Card 1,700 1,360 1,200 Free Cash 1,800 1,800 1,200 Free Yellow Bus Service Yellow buses travel in a closed circle only within major district areas of Seoul. Fare 19+ 13~18 7~12 6- Card 700 560 350 Free Cash 800 800 350 Free

▒ Discount Benefits for Transfers

- The base fare covers the first 10 kilometers, plus 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers - With the new fare system, passengers will benefit from an integrated fare system when transferring from bus to bus, bus to subway, or vice-versa. For example, if Mr. A uses his transportation card to travel 14 kilometers by subway, then transfers to a bus for a five-kilometer ride within 30 meters of the subway exit, he will be charged a base fare of 900 won for the first 10 kilometers, plus 100 won for every additional 5 kilometers. In total, Mr. A will pay 1,100 won with his card. - Transfer discounts only apply when passengers transfer within 30 minutes after scanning their card over the card terminal at the exit. Discounts are not given for transfers unless the transportation card is scanned over the card terminal.。 - Red buses do not offer discount benefits even with a transportation card. - Discounts are not given when you pay in cash.

▒ Seoul City Traffic Card - T-money

T-money is the new Seoul City traffic card that can be used for both buses and subways. The T-money card can be either prepaid or postpaid (through a credit card). The prepaid card, which can be used only for public transportation, is 2,500 won. The T-money card, the most convenient type of T-money for foreign users, will be sold at subway ticket counters from July 1, 2004 and GS25 convenience stores as of July 10, 2004. T-money cards can be recharged easily at any T-money card vender or kiosks for amounts from 1,000 won to 90,000 won. Users departing Seoul can get a refund for any remaining amount on the card (less 1,500 won) at a T-money card vender. By using a T-money card, passengers will enjoy greater discount benefits than with cash. For example, if Mr. A takes five bus or subway rides, for a distance of less than 10 kilometers, he will only pay a base rate of 900 won. If he pays cash, however, that sum would total up to 4,000 won.