Mokpo National University Significantly Expands Free Commuter Bus Service

Collecting Various Student Opinions to Decide Operation Routes and Times

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Mokpo National University (President Song Ha-cheol) will significantly expand the operation of free shuttle buses for commuting students and staff starting from the 2nd of next month, when the 2023 academic year begins, to facilitate their commuting convenience.

According to Mokpo National University on the 6th, until 2018, the shuttle buses were operated as paid services, but from 2019, they were converted to free services to reduce the economic burden on students. However, considering the university's financial conditions, the operation was inevitably reduced.

Mokpo National University Campus
[Photo by Mokpo National University]

This expansion of free shuttle bus operations was promoted by securing a budget for shuttle buses that is more than 40% higher than last year, despite the university's difficult financial situation, following the expanded demands from the student council after collecting various opinions from students about the shuttle buses, and in line with President Song Ha-cheol’s philosophy of student communication and student welfare-centered university management since his inauguration in December last year.

From this academic year, the shuttle buses will be expanded and operated from a total of 72 trips per day (36 trips each for morning and afternoon) to a total of 90 trips (45 trips each for morning and afternoon).

In particular, the operating hours, which were previously limited to early morning and late afternoon, will be diversified by adding and increasing routes departing at 9:30 a.m. for morning commutes and at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for afternoon commutes.

Additionally, new commuting routes for Haenam, Gangjin, and Yeongam (including Samho) areas will be established to improve commuting accessibility for students living in the southwestern remote areas. Furthermore, shuttle buses will operate at night to Gwangju and Mokpo areas for students who study and prepare for employment at the library until late at night.

Also, during vacation periods, shuttle buses were previously operated intermittently only during seasonal semesters, but from now on, they will be operated continuously throughout the vacation period.

Moreover, a mobile app-based ‘Integrated Shuttle Bus Management System’ will be introduced to dramatically improve students’ satisfaction and convenience in using the shuttle buses.

In the future, students will be able to reserve their desired time and seat through a personal mobile app when using the shuttle bus, and check the real-time location information of the shuttle bus, allowing them to use the shuttle bus conveniently without waiting time.

President Song Ha-cheol of Mokpo National University stated, “We will enhance student welfare by providing shuttle buses, breakfast services, expanding sports facilities, and more, so that our Mokpo National University students can enjoy a joyful and happy university life,” and added, “We will create a student-centered university so that Mokpo National University students can be proud and have a sense of pride.”

The person in charge of the Student Support Department said, “The shuttle bus routes and timetables by region will be announced on the school website on the 10th after consultation with the shuttle bus operating company,” and added, “Students are advised to check the boarding and alighting points and times near their residence in advance.”