Seoul integrates autonomous bus with its transportation system

Following an 11-month pilot operation, the Seoul Cheongwadae Autonomous Bus Service is being integrated into the Korean capital’s public transportation system.

In a separate announcement, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has released analysis that shows its public bike service fleet has grown from 440 in 2010 to 45,000 in 2024.

Autonomous bus service

The autonomous bus service covers a 2.6 km route between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae, and the Gyeongbokgung Station.

SMG announced that the Cheongwadae Autonomous Bus will end its trial period and begin paid service. The Hyundai e-County Medium bus will stop at five locations every 15 minutes and charge a fare of KRW 1,400, the same as regular city buses. It also provides free transfer to passengers with transportation cards and unlimited access for Climate Card users.

The bus reported a large number of users and a high satisfaction rate, with a total of 45,621 local and international passengers

The Cheongwadae Autonomous Bus began pilot operation in December 2022. During the 11-month pilot period that ended last October, the bus reported a large number of users and a high satisfaction rate, with a total of 45,621 local and international passengers.

Its operation temporarily closed last November to prepare for paid service, during which time the city upgraded the buses’ stability through internal system inspection, improvements, and repeated test drives.

The city reviewed and upgraded the system, ensuring stability through multiple test drives.

Public bike service analysis

The city government analysed the demand for its 15-year-old public bicycle service, Ttareungi, and found 190 million uses between 2010 and May 2024.

Launched by mayor Oh Se-hoon, Ttareungi began its pilot operation in 2010 with 440 bicycles, followed by the official launch in 2015. It was inspired by Bixi, Canada’s public bicycle rental service.

Ttareungi rides have consistently increased over the past five years from January to April, showing its role shift from leisure to transportation, with higher ridership between 6-7pm on weekdays. SMG reports the service has been used 190 million times since its 2010 launch until the last month.