Seoul Metro is launching a new “tagless” fare-charging electronic system?

Exciting news coming your way — Seoul Metro, the folks who keep Seoul city’s subway running, are gearing up to test a futuristic “tagless” fare-charging electronic system, and they’re planning to roll it out officially next year.

So, what’s this tagless system all about?

Imagine breezing past the ticket gate without having to dig out your smartphone or payment card to tap on the turnstile.

That’s right!

This upgraded system uses advanced technology to automatically detect Bluetooth signals from your device and charge your fare as you casually stroll by.

Pretty cool, huh?

The company, which operates under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, revealed plans to install 10 of these tagless fare charging devices at some key stations — Yongdap Station, Oksu Station, and Dongjak and Sadang Stations.

Now, don’t get too excited just yet.

These won’t be available for public use straight away.

Instead, they will be tested by company employees throughout this year.

What are they looking for in these tests?

Over the next six months, they want to make sure the new system can recognize users accurately at least 95% of the time.

Plus, they will be checking that it can pick up each user’s Bluetooth signal (from devices with the Tmoney Mobile smartphone app installed) in less than a second and process payments flawlessly.

The company is optimistic that this tagless system will help reduce those pesky bottleneck crowds at subway turnstiles and bus entrances.

Once the tests are done, they plan to make the tagless system available to the public and bring it to all subway stations on lines 1 to 9.

Seoul Metro’s CEO has promised more cutting-edge tech like this in the future to make subway journeys even more convenient.

So, stay tuned for more updates.

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