The Seoul city government said yesterday it will cover partial subway fares for commuters who park their bikes in lots run by the city in order to encourage more commuters to ride bicycles. 

Starting in August, between 300 won (27 cents) and 500 won will be reimbursed to each bicyclist, depending on the distance traveled by subway. 

The city runs six bicycle parking lots - at Sindorim, Suyu, Sinmok-dong, Yeongdeungpo and Gaebong subway stations - accommodating a total of 1,902 bicycles. 

The city government said bicyclists using parking lots at Suyu Station and Sindorim Station will get reimbursed at new kiosks to be installed in the subway stations. The program will later be expanded to the other four stations. The lots in both stations can accommodate 750 and 470 bicycles, respectively. 

To get a reimbursement, bicyclists need to swipe their T-money transit cards at a kiosk upon arrival at the parking lot. They can get a reimbursement by swiping their cards at the kiosk again on the way back to the subway station after work. The service will only be offered for T-money transit card users. The city plans to expand the program for commuters who use credit cards. 


By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr]