Min Hyungbae Proposes Integrated Transfer Fare System for Jeonnam and Gwangju... Pushes for Unified Fare Structure

Monthly 'Namdo Pass', Expansion of Rural Public Transit

Proposing Four Key Innovations in Transportation Services Including Gradual Free Transit

Hyungbae Min, a member of the National Assembly and a candidate in the Democratic Party’s primary for the unified metropolitan mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju, has announced a set of four major transportation service innovations, including the introduction of an integrated transfer fare system that would unify Jeonnam and Gwangju under a single fare structure.

On March 22, Assemblyman Min outlined the following policies in a policy document: ▲ Introduction of an integrated transfer fare system ▲ Launch of a monthly integrated transportation pass called the 'Namdo Pass' ▲ Expansion of public transportation in rural and fishing villages ▲ Gradual implementation of free public transportation. He stated, "The core direction of this policy is to enhance transportation services while structurally reducing the burden of transportation costs."

Hyungbae Min, Member of the National Assembly.

Assemblyman Min’s team pointed out that while the transportation fare for a 50 km journey by public transit between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province is in the 3,000 won range, the fare from Gwangju to Jangheung is about 13,000 won, which is nearly four times higher.

Assemblyman Min pledged to integrate Jeonnam and Gwangju into a single fare system and implement an integrated transfer fare system that connects bus and rail transfers, aiming to minimize additional charges for travel within the same living area. For essential travel such as commuting to work, school, or medical treatment, he also promised to reduce the perceived transportation cost burden by ensuring that fares do not rise sharply even as travel distance increases.

He emphasized, "Jeonnam and Gwangju already function as a single living area, but fares are divided by city and county, and transfers are inconvenient and fragmented. We will introduce an integrated transfer fare system that suits a unified living area."

The 'Namdo Pass' is a monthly transportation pass that will be valid throughout Jeonnam and Gwangju, enabling users to access metropolitan, city, and rural buses, as well as BRT, with a single monthly payment. The aim is to shift from a pay-per-ride model to a system where one payment covers unlimited travel.

The plan for public transportation in rural and fishing villages is to expand services, such as free and publicly operated buses, starting with areas experiencing population decline. Citing the examples of Gokseong, Shinan, Yeongam, Jindo, and Wando—where free or public buses are already in operation—Assemblyman Min stated, "We will expand these models so that the precedents set in these regions become the standard."

The gradual implementation of free public transportation will start in areas with aging populations and those underserved by public transit. The policy aims to improve residential conditions by enhancing local transportation infrastructure.

Assemblyman Min concluded, "Expensive transportation pushes people away, and inconvenient transportation leads to the decline of regions. I am committed to creating a city that people choose to stay in because mobility is convenient, not one they have to leave due to mobility challenges."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.