'Half-price Modui Card' saves commuters average of 44,000 won a month

Users of the "half-price Modui Card," a government transit subsidy program designed to ease commuting costs, received an average monthly refund of 44,000 won (about $28) per person, according to new figures released Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Area Transportation Commission under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said the results reflect the impact of expanded support measures introduced through a supplementary budget last April. The commission cut the refund threshold by 50 percent and raised the flat-rate refund for off-peak commuters by 30 percentage points.

To spread demand away from peak rush hours, the government offers higher refund rates to commuters who ride public transit during the hour before or after the morning peak of 6:30–9 a.m. and the evening peak of 5–7 p.m.

Before the half-price Modui Card took effect, the average refund stood at 22,740 won per person in March. In April it rose to 43,529 won — an increase of roughly 20,000 won.

The number of eligible recipients grew 9.8 percent, from approximately 3.02 million to 3.31 million.

The commission said Modui Card usage has grown most among frequent public transit riders, with new sign-ups pushing the total user base past 5 million in April.

The introduction of a dedicated "senior category" for older users has also broadened the program's reach. The number of elderly users climbed to 320,000 in April, up 130,000 from the same month last year, with refunds rising across all age groups.

"As high energy prices continue to weigh on household budgets over the long term, I hope the half-price Modui Card provides real relief," commission chair Kim Yong-seok said.

Meanwhile, Modui Card users must update their card information by July 7 to continue receiving refunds without interruption. The commission added that users should log in to the program's website or app to register or update their card details and confirm eligibility.