The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on April 24 began issuing the K-Pass through 10 partner card companies. (Yonhap News)

By Cao Thi Ha

K-pass, a nationwide public transportation program offering rebates on fares between 20% and 53%, has been launched following the Climate Card, a similar pass started in January by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The Metropolitan Traffic Commission under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on April 21 said K-pass replaced the Alddeul (Thrifty) Transportation Card. Though K-pass' issuance began on April 24, the benefits take effect from May 1.

K-pass refunds the following month a select percentage of users' monthly expenses on public transportation like city and intercity buses, subway and the higher-speed Great Train eXpress (GTX) line more than 15 times a month. The rebate rates are 20% for the public, 30% for those ages 19-34 and 53% for low-income earners.

Ten credit card companies offer K-pass including KB Kookmin, Nonghyup, BC, Samsung, Shinhan, Woori, Hana and Hyundai.

To sign up for K-pass, users can either switch their membership from the program's predecessor or register as a new member.

Users of the previous card can simply make a membership switch through the Alddeul Transportation Card Plus app or its official website (alcard.kr).

New users can receive the benefits that begin on May 1 by registering on the K-pass app or website (korea-pass.kr).

The ministry said each participating card company will further cut the financial burden of transportation costs through additional benefits from K-pass based on card usage.

Application for K-pass and more details are available on each company's website.

shinn11@korea.kr