Busan Launches South Korea's First Personal Mobility-Transit Discount Program

Busan Metropolitan City has initiated a pilot discount program that connects Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) with the public transportation system. This initiative, reported to be the first in South Korea, offers a 500 KRW discount for users who transfer to public transportation within 30 minutes of using a PMD. The program is part of Busan's efforts to enhance urban connectivity and promote the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods.

The program is aligned with Busan's "Busan Public Transport Innovation Plan," aiming to incorporate shared Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) as an effective solution for first and last-mile transit. The initiative seeks to not only encourage sustainable transportation options but also to leverage the economic, efficient, and environmentally friendly benefits of shared PMDs. It is anticipated to enhance mobility for short distances and is regarded as a significant move toward evolving urban transportation systems.

In response to a memorandum of understanding with PMD companies and payment system operators, Busan has focused on enhancing the safety and ease of access to shared PMDs. With a 150 million KRW investment from transport card companies for administrative support, the project aims to streamline the user experience by reducing the need for multiple applications and QR code scanning. Users are facilitated with a simpler process, involving a one-time transport card registration for discounts when transferring between PMDs and other public transport modes.

Unlike Seoul, which applies a fixed-rate discount for transfers between public bicycles and other transit methods, Busan's program specifically targets PMD users, offering instant discounts via transport card swipes. This method represents a unique effort to improve urban mobility within the city.

Initiated on March 1, the pilot covers areas around Pusan National University, including key transport stations within Geumjeong District. Starting with 50 PMDs and extending to buses, the plan is to broaden the scope to subways by May, aiming for a total deployment of 200 PMDs. Mayor Park Heong-joon has shown optimism for the program's growth, highlighting its role in advancing Busan towards the realization of a "15-minute city" concept and a sustainable personal mobility network.

By fostering the adoption of green personal mobility solutions and enhancing the connectivity of public transport, Busan is setting an example for urban centers globally in the pursuit of more effective and sustainable transportation frameworks.