Operation Target from Gimpo Bridge to Jamsil Bridge Starting Second Half of Next Year
Criticism That It Is Not Suitable as a Commuting Transportation Option
Seoul City is set to actively promote the introduction of the Han River water bus (River Bus). Starting as early as the second half of next year, the River Bus is expected to operate on the Han River section between Gimpo Bridge and Jamsil Bridge.
On the 23rd, Seoul City announced that it will publicly recruit operators for the Han River River Bus until the 14th of next month. Seoul plans to develop the Han River River Bus as both a water transportation means and a tourism product as well as a landmark.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon began seriously considering the introduction of the Han River River Bus after personally riding the River Bus on the Thames River in London, UK, in March this year. The London River Bus, which opened in 1999, operates on four routes and was commercialized to the extent that 10.4 million people used it annually in 2018.
The main purpose of introducing the Han River River Bus is to revitalize water transportation on the Han River. Seoul expects the River Bus to partially supplement public transportation demand during commuting hours by linking it with eco-friendly mobility options.
However, there are criticisms that the River Bus is not suitable as a commuting transportation means due to poor accessibility to the piers and high fares.
In response, Seoul City stated that it will improve accessibility by renovating access roads to the piers and considering the introduction of shuttle buses connecting nearby subway stations. Discussions on fare levels will also continue.
Some express concerns that usage rates may be low, similar to the Han River water taxi started in 2006 as part of the Han River Renaissance project.
The Han River water taxi, operated by the former Cheonghaejin Marine until 2014, suspended operations following the Sewol ferry disaster and has been operated again by the Veterans Association since 2016.
At the time of introduction, Seoul City expected citizens to commute without traffic congestion by using the water taxi, but due to accessibility issues and other factors, the number of users has decreased annually, with only 1 to 2 users during commuting hours currently reported.
Therefore, Seoul City is also exploring ways to utilize 8 to 11-seat water taxis as demand-responsive transportation means in connection with the River Bus.
A city official said, "Several companies have shown interest by inquiring about the project," adding, "If creative private sector operation methods are incorporated, it could become a successful project."
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