Nation's First Autonomous Village Bus Runs in Dongjak-gu

Dongjak-gu-Soonsil University-Lotte Data Communication Business Agreement Signed... Autonomous Driving Pilot Zone Designation Planned by Year-End

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 26th with Soongsil University and Lotte Information & Communication for the introduction of an autonomous village bus.

The signing ceremony held at Soongsil University's Baird Hall was attended by key officials including Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, Jang Beom-sik, President of Soongsil University, and Jeong In-tae, Head of Lotte Information & Communication's nDX Business Division.

Through this agreement, the three organizations announced their commitment to accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving in public transportation such as village buses.

In particular, they agreed to cooperate in designating pilot zones for autonomous buses, proactively establishing related infrastructure, and creating an environment for future mobility services.

Dongjak-gu is experiencing increased demand for public transportation due to large-scale residential complex development and occupancy, necessitating improvements in transportation services.

Accordingly, true to his background as a former Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official, the mayor is promoting the introduction of autonomous village buses to alleviate inconveniences for residents in transportation-vulnerable areas and to lead improvements in future transportation systems through the nation’s first demonstration of autonomous driving technology on residential roads.

So far, the district has actively worked by proposing the formation of an industry-academia-government consultative body involving the district office, universities, and autonomous driving companies, and conducting over 20 business consultations with related organizations.

Going forward, through application to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and review by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the district plans to establish a foundation for autonomous vehicle operation by designating a pilot operation zone by the end of this year.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, stated, “Today will be remembered as a monumental day for the operation of autonomous village buses,” and added, “We will show results so that autonomous village buses can run in Dongjak-gu as soon as possible.”