From the 30th of this month, the 'Ddokbus' will operate in two areas: Beombak and Okgil-dong in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, and Gohangbon and Gohang 1-dong. Ddokbus is a demand-responsive transport (DRT) service that operates without a fixed route, responding to passenger calls.
On the 25th, Bucheon City held a Ddokbus test ride event at the Gohangbon-dong banking complex. The test ride vehicle circulated around the Gohang-dong area, which has a high floating population. During the operation, questions from participants were answered, and the event also served as a promotional opportunity to introduce Ddokbus to citizens.
Ddokbus began a pilot operation with a total of five vehicles on the 23rd in two zones: Beombak and Okgil-dong (2 vehicles), and Gohangbon and Gohang 1-dong (3 vehicles), and is scheduled to start official operation on the 30th.
At the Smart Bus test drive event held in the bank district of Gogangbon-dong, Bucheon City, Mayor Jo Yong-ik and attendees are taking a commemorative photo. [Photo by Bucheon City]
Calls for Ddokbus can be made through the smartphone app 'Ddokta,' and boarding and alighting are only possible at bus stops within the service area. Operating hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The base fare is 1,450 KRW for adults, the same as a regular city bus, and transfer discounts apply when transferring to the subway or city/village buses. However, cash payment is not accepted, and a fee will be charged if a passenger does not board after calling or cancels after one minute.
Jo Yong-ik, mayor of Bucheon City, said, "We expect that Ddokbus, a new concept public transportation created through smart technology and innovation, will provide convenient and safe transportation services to citizens."
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