Busan, South Korea – The city of Busan has announced the introduction of 20,000 character-themed transit cards for newly enrolled elementary school students, aiming to make public transport more accessible and engaging for the younger demographic. This initiative, part of the city’s efforts to encourage public transport use among children, comes as Busan strives to be at the forefront of creating an inclusive and environmentally friendly urban transport system.
From March 2024, first-grade students entering elementary schools in Busan will receive a “Boogi” character transit card, granting them free access to the city’s buses and subways. This policy positions Busan as a leading city in South Korea, offering comprehensive fare exemptions for children in public transport, reflecting a commitment to fostering a culture of sustainable mobility from an early age.
Following the child fare exemption policy launched on October 6, 2023, Busan has observed a 58 percent increase in public transport usage among children. This uptick signifies a growing awareness and acceptance of public transport as a viable and preferred mode of travel for the city’s youth.
The transit cards, featuring the friendly and relatable “Boogi” character, are designed to appeal to young riders, aligning with the city’s goal to make public transport a more attractive option for children. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to instill sustainable travel habits among residents from a young age, contributing to the city’s long-term vision for an eco-friendly and accessible urban environment.
In collaboration with Mybi, a transit card operator, Busan is set to distribute the Boogi cards through the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation to schools that apply to participate in the program. The initiative encourages parents to activate their children’s cards by registering their birth dates at convenience stores or via a smartphone app, simplifying the process for young users to navigate the city’s public transport network.
Schools wishing to secure the Boogi transit cards for their students can apply online, with the distribution phase geared to continue while supplies last.
Park Heong-joon, the mayor of Busan, shared his hopes for the initiative, stating, “We aim to provide elementary school children with an opportunity to embrace public transport with enthusiasm through the distribution of these Boogi transit cards. We kindly ask families and educational institutions to support the development of responsible and eco-friendly travel habits among children, paving the way for a generation that values sustainability and community well-being.”
This initiative is a positive move toward incorporating public transport into the daily routines of Busan’s younger residents, highlighting the city’s commitment to environmentally-friendly practices and innovative urban planning. As Busan continues to invest in enhancing its public transportation infrastructure, the Boogi transit cards serve as a symbol of the city’s dedication to fostering a greener and more inclusive future for all.
