Jeju to go cashless from July... "It will be an example of digital transformation in the life of the 8th civil election"

As local governments across the country rush to introduce cashless buses, Jeju Island will operate 'cashless buses' from July 1. The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on July 11 that it will start a pilot project of 'cashless buses' for all buses on all routes in the province from July 1 to Sept. 30 to reduce administrative costs associated with the use of cash. As of 2023, only 9.8 percent of bus passengers use cash, but 150 million won ($105 million) is spent annually on managing cash receipts, so the province plans to reduce costs and improve services by introducing 'cashless buses.' 

In 2023, there will be nearly 60 million bus passengers. Of these, 90.2 percent (53.68 million) are transportation card passengers, while 9.8 percent (5.77 million) pay fares with cash. "Cashless buses" will be implemented on all 218 routes in the province. During the three-month pilot, both cash and cards will be accepted, and passengers will be able to pay their fare in a variety of ways, including using their transit card, a transit card purchased at a nearby convenience store, a mobile transit card using a QR code, or bank transfer via a fare payment guide on the bus. "It is expected to have a three-in-one effect by saving more than 100 million won in costs due to cash payments, as well as enabling bus drivers to operate safely and secure punctuality in the process of giving change for cash payments," said a provincial official. "It will be a major example of the digital transformation of daily life promoted by the Metropolitan Government in the 8th civil election."

In addition, transportation welfare cards will be issued to all seniors aged 65 and older in the province from July, so it is expected that there will be no major inconvenience in using the 'cashless bus'. The city plans to thoroughly monitor the pilot program and decide whether to extend the pilot period or fully implement it if necessary. "When using a transportation card, it is convenient to board the bus and there are many benefits such as fare discounts and free transfers," said Kang Seok-chan, director of the provincial transportation and aviation bureau. "We will do our best to prepare and promote the cashless bus so that residents do not feel inconvenienced by it."

Meanwhile, cashless buses are currently operated in Seoul, Daejeon, Incheon, and Cheonan, Chungnam, and will be operated in Jeju, Gangwon, and Daegu from July.

from: 

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