Korea Expressway Corp. expands Hi-Pass transponder subsidy to compact car, taxi drivers

Korea Expressway Corp. announced Friday that it has expanded eligibility for its Hi-Pass transponder purchase subsidy to ease the financial burden on motorists and improve the convenience of Hi-Pass use.

The subsidy program, which launched in 2014, has provided about 44.6 billion won ($28.7 million) in purchase support for a total of about 2.95 million units through last year.

This year, the program extends beyond its existing beneficiaries — toll-discount recipients such as people with disabilities and veterans, and drivers using transponders more than five years old — to include compact car and taxi drivers. The distribution target for this year is 65,000 units, worth a total of 1.78 billion won.

Compact car drivers newly eligible this year will receive 15,000 won toward a purchase, while taxi drivers will receive 30,000 won, allowing both groups to buy a Hi-Pass transponder at a lower price. To qualify, compact vehicles must have no prior subsidy history, while taxis must be individually owned or operated by a small or midsize company and must not have received support within the past five years.

Eligible drivers can apply by selecting the appropriate support type and transponder model, then contacting the manufacturer by phone or submitting an application online. They may also visit any of 42 Hi-Pass transponder retail outlets nationwide. Full details on how to apply and outlet locations are available on the expressway toll website.

"The Hi-Pass transponder support program is designed to reduce the financial burden on the public and provide a more convenient expressway experience," a Korea Expressway Corp. official said. "We will continue to expand support policies that people can genuinely feel in their daily lives."

Meanwhile, Korea Expressway Corp. began offering a service last month that allows users to simultaneously transfer Hi-Pass transponder registration when completing a used-car ownership transfer online through its mobile app.