Six Domestic First Hydrogen Electric Premium Buses Deployed on Incheon Airport Limousine Route

The hydrogen electric premium buses have been introduced for the first time in Korea on the airport limousine routes connecting downtown Incheon and Incheon International Airport.

Incheon City announced on the 17th that six hydrogen electric premium buses have started operating on airport limousine routes 6777 (Songdo∼Incheon Airport) and 6777-1 (Incheon Terminal∼Incheon Airport).

These buses are premium models (25 seats) equipped with Hyundai Motor Company's eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell system, designed as airport limousines capable of carrying large suitcases. Currently, Incheon operates 22 hydrogen low-floor buses and 222 electric low-floor buses on city bus routes.

An official from Incheon City stated, "By introducing hydrogen electric buses, we are taking the lead in expanding eco-friendly transportation means," and added, "We have introduced a design using Incheon’s 10-color scheme, differentiated from existing airport limousines, which is expected to enhance the image of 'Incheon as a leading city for eco-friendly hydrogen buses.'"

Hydrogen Electric Premium Bus Deployed on Incheon Airport Limousine Route
[Photo by Incheon City]

Meanwhile, route 6777-1 starts from Incheon Bus Terminal and passes through major stations on Incheon Line 1 (Wonnaejae Station, Dongchun Station, Dongmak Station) and the eastern Songdo area (Campus Town Station, Incheon National University Station, Knowledge Information Complex Station, etc.). Additionally, route 6777 makes extra stops at two stations each on the upward and downward routes in the Songdo area, including Misong Elementary School, Songdo Ian, and The Frau.

Route 6777-1 was newly established following the expansion of airport bus 6777, which had suspended operations for three years due to the COVID-19 outbreak but resumed service in July last year.

Since the resumption of route 6777, demand for airport use has increased due to the endemic phase and the opening of the Overseas Koreans Office. The main stops were limited to Songdo and Districts 6 and 8, leading to continuous requests from residents of Namdong-gu, Yeonsu-gu, and the eastern Songdo area for expanded service.

Accordingly, Incheon City reviewed usage trends and complaints regarding route 6777 and consulted with transportation companies to expand the route so that more citizens can use it.

With the expansion of airport limousine services capable of carrying large suitcases inside the vehicles, accessibility to Incheon Airport has improved not only for residents of Namdong-gu and Yeonsu-gu, who find it difficult to use alternative means such as the airport railroad, but also for residents of the eastern Songdo area. Furthermore, the increased number of buses has shortened the interval between buses from a maximum of 90 minutes to a minimum of 45 minutes, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction with the service.