Gyeonggi Province expands operation of “Tagless,” a contact-free automated fare collection service

Gyeonggi Province expands operation of “Tagless,” a contact-free automated fare collection service

Operation of this system first started in Gimpo City this January and was further adopted by the cities of Uijeongbu, Yangju, and Pocheon. Now, the province seeks to implement it throughout the entire region (excluding double-decker and two-door vehicles).

The service aims to reduce the pandemic contagion, promote a pleasant passenger experience, and prevent accidents in the bus. 

First, install “Tagless Pay” application on your mobile phone.

Second, register a pre-paid or credit fare card.

Third, change the Tagless setting to “ON” and board with your mobile.

@Gyeonggi Province

The three-step procedure allows passengers to pay bus fares automatically without going through the conventional payment process of tagging a fare card on a card reader. This state-of-the-art system operates by using a bus-installed “Beacon” and a passenger’s mobile Bluetooth connection that discerns the rider’s boarding status and proceeds with the payment.

Many accidents occur while pressing the drop-off bell or preparing to get off a moving bus. The Tagless service allows passengers to simply tap the “mobile drop-off bell” in the application before getting off at their destination. It automatically signals the driver that there is a disembarking passenger, so the rider can safely alight from the bus without staggering to press the bell.

The province will display Tagless stickers on buses that support the service, and place Tagless icons on the Gyeonggi Bus Information Service mobile application for easy real-time follow-up on Tagless buses.

@Gyeonggi Province

In cases where the bus or subway one has taken does not support the service, or if one wishes to simply transfer, the rider only needs to tag the mobile phone to the card reader to have his or her fare collected and transfer discounts applied. 

The service provider, LOCA Mobility, is running a fare card recharge promotion until April 20.

A reimbursement of KRW 3,000 is offered for the first-time mobile app installation, as well as subsequent reimbursements of KRW 1,000 for every application usage for up to 20 times a month. 

“Tagless,” a contact-free and automated bus fare collection system, will reduce COVID-19 transmission, prevent safety mishaps, and enable a positive passenger experience. 

We hope this service ushers in safe and pleasant public transport travel culture.