Busan Launches Public Transportation Discount System "Dongbaek Pass"

Busan City is ready to disrupt the public transportation landscape with the nationwide first-of-its-kind integrated discount system called the "Dongbaek Pass". Slated for launch on August 1st, the Dongbaek Pass stands as a significant lead project among the 12 tasks in the three sectors of the "Busan-style Public Transportation Innovation Plan" unveiled in March.

The innovative Dongbaek Pass scheme allows locals to use their Dongbaek prepaid transportation card as a regional currency card. Commuters spending over 45,000 won ($39) per month on public transport can receive refunds on any additional costs incurred, under certain conditions.

The discount scheme will apply to registered city and village buses, urban railways, the Donghae Line, and the Light Rail Transit in Busan. The standard refund amount is set at 45,000 won per month, with any additional expenses beyond that refunded back to the user.

The advent of the Dongbaek Pass, especially during economically challenging times, has stirred immense interest among the city's residents. The scheme ensures that residents using public transport services worth more than 45,000 won monthly can get refunds up to 90,000 won. The excess amount, up to 45,000 won, will be reimbursed through the Dongbaek card.

The Dongbaek Pass can initially be used through the Busan Bank's Dongbaek postpaid transportation card. Cards from other banks, such as Hana Card and NH Nonghyup Bank, will be included in the scheme by October, following the development of the requisite computing systems.

Existing users of the Busan Bank's Dongbaek postpaid transportation card can start using the Dongbaek Pass service from August 1st by registering through the Dongbaek app. For those who do not have the Dongbaek postpaid transportation card, the issuance can be done in just five minutes at any Busan Bank branch by presenting a valid identification. For those applying through the Dongbaek app, card issuance may take between four to seven days.

To facilitate the card issuance process, the city plans to establish special counters at Busan Bank branches and run mobile stores. Moreover, to ensure a successful launch of the Dongbaek Pass, the city will leverage online platforms, social networking services (SNS), bus stops, and subway station facilities for extensive promotion.

A commemorative event is also in the pipeline, hoping for the successful hosting of the 2030 World Expo. The event will target 2,030 new and existing customers.

With the introduction of the Dongbaek Pass, Busan City anticipates a revival in the use of public transportation, which took a hit following the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on a study by the Busan Research Institute, daily commuter numbers are expected to increase by approximately 200,000, leading to a 2-3% surge in the public transport share.

The expected increase in public transportation users could raise annual revenue by around 48.5 billion won ($42 million), thereby reducing the city's financial support for public transportation. The refund of the excess amount over 45,000 won via the Dongbaek card will benefit local small business owners, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

The city provides answers to potential questions about the Dongbaek Pass on their official website. As of August 1st, only the Dongbaek postpaid transportation cards from Busan Bank will be eligible for the scheme. Immediate issuance of the card can be done at any Busan Bank branch, or through the Dongbaek app, which takes around four to seven days. For the benefits to apply, users must register for the Dongbaek Pass service in the Dongbaek app after August 1st.

Currently, only regular adult fares apply for the refund policy, but plans are in place to expand the scheme to include youth fares in the future.