Increase in Airport Bus and Foreign Tourist Taxi Users in Seoul Area... Over 180,000 in the First Half of the Year

Average Daily Foreign Tourist Taxi Users Increased 2.7 Times from 700 in January to 1,900 in June
Foreign Tourist Taxi Service Resumed in April, Surpassing 5,000 Rides in 2 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As social distancing measures have been lifted and daily life is recovering rapidly, the use of transportation related to airport access is also increasing.

On the 6th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that an analysis of airport bus and foreign tourist taxi usage in the first half of this year showed a gradual increase in line with the revitalization of tourism. Although operations were completely suspended for two years due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, demand for overseas travel and business trips has increased, leading to a continued recovery in passenger numbers.

In the case of airport buses, the number of passengers exceeded 180,000 in just the first half of this year (January to June). In particular, the total number of passengers in January was 21,947, with an average of 708 passengers per day. However, with the resumption of routes and a surge in demand, the total number of passengers in June rose to 57,420, with a daily average of about 1,914 passengers?approximately 2.7 times more passengers used the airport bus. Compared to April, when social distancing was lifted, the average daily number of passengers in June increased by 95%, showing a rapid growth within just two months.

Currently, four companies operate 15 routes, and most routes are gradually returning to normal compared to the years 2020-2021 when many routes were suspended. Airport buses faced significant difficulties as most routes were halted due to the closure of air routes and the severe spread of the pandemic, with passenger numbers dropping by up to 99% in May 2020. Recently, however, demand has increased, and the service is gradually regaining vitality.

Foreign tourist taxis (International Taxis) also resumed full operations from April and currently operate 189 vehicles. In April, after social distancing was lifted, 1,321 trips were recorded, increasing to 2,095 trips in May and 2,328 trips in June, maintaining a monthly level of around 2,000 trips and surpassing 5,000 trips cumulatively over two months.

Foreign tourist taxis had been operated as quarantine taxis to ensure safe transportation for overseas arrivals but have resumed full operations following the lifting of social distancing measures.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to respond swiftly to changes in passenger numbers to support convenient airport access for citizens and foreigners as public transportation normalizes. If the increase in passengers continues, the city will facilitate route operation approvals and other management efforts to enhance user convenience. Baek Ho, Director of the Seoul City Urban Transportation Office, stated, “With the increase in overseas travel, airport-related transportation operations are expected to gradually return to normal. We will strive to provide convenient transportation for citizens in line with international tourism and growing business demand.”