Priority Guarantee of Mobility Rights for Passengers of Routes 108, 200, and 800
Reducing Route 200 from 8 to 7 Buses... "May Cause Inconvenience to Residents"
Jeonnam Muan-gun (Governor Kim San) is actively responding to the reduction in off-city routes (No. 108, 200, 800) following the revision of Mokpo city bus routes, which will take effect from the 26th.
According to the county on the 23rd, Mokpo City notified that if the loss-sharing fee for the off-city routes 108, 200, and 800 is not paid, the current operation of 4, 12, and 4 buses respectively will be reduced by 50% to operate 2, 5, and 2 buses.
Muan-gun stated that the loss-sharing fee for off-city buses is unprecedented, and rather, Muan users contribute to the revitalization of Mokpo's economy. Since a significant number of actual users are students residing in Mokpo attending Mokpo University and Chodang University, it is reasonable for Mokpo City to bear more of the burden.
However, to minimize inconvenience to residents, despite difficult financial conditions, the county proposed to share 500 million KRW of the 1 billion KRW loss-sharing fee for last year’s second half and requested cooperation so that Mokpo City's off-city routes could continue operating.
Mokpo City ultimately planned to operate 3, 7, and 3 buses respectively for the off-city routes 108, 200, and 800, and notified Muan-gun that after a trial run on the 26th, full operation would begin on the 4th of next month.
A county official said, “Although we agreed to share the loss-sharing fee, operating 7 buses for route 200 instead of the 8 buses requested by Muan-gun could cause severe inconvenience to residents,” adding, “We are discussing with Muan Transportation, Mokpo city bus companies, and Mokpo City to consider increasing the number of buses independently by Muan-gun.”
Governor Kim San said, “To minimize inconvenience to residents, Muan-gun will continue to discuss with Mokpo City, including the possibility of adding more buses on route 200,” and added, “We will strive to make this a turning point in establishing an optimal public transportation system considering the county’s long-term development plan.”
Meanwhile, the county plans to provide information to users through the Muan-gun website, announcements at 9 eup and myeon offices, and distribution of promotional materials at bus stops once consultations with Mokpo City are completed.
Muan = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Oh Hwan-ju just8440@asiae.co.kr
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