New Urban Express Bus Route to Replace Limousine Bus Service Between Gimhae Airport and Haeundae

Until the New Operator Begins: New Alternative Route and 6 Express Buses Between Haeundae and Gimhae Airport

Improved Transportation and Tourism Vitalization Expected for Summer Vacation Visitors and Citizens in Busan

Busan City will operate a new "urban express rapid bus" connecting East Busan and West Busan starting July 13, as a replacement for the limousine bus service between Haeundae and Gimhae Airport, which was suspended due to the closure of Taeyoung Airport Limousine, the airport limousine transportation operator.

After the operator submitted its intention to return the limited license on June 5, the city requested, through meetings, that the operator withdraw its intent to return the license in exchange for priority financial support, and to continue operations until a new operator is selected. However, an agreement could not be reached due to differences over compensation for financial losses.

The newly established urban express alternative route adds part of the Busan Station route (3 stops) to the existing airport limousine Haeundae route (16 stops). Six express seat buses will operate between Gimhae Airport (West Busan), Seomyeon, and Haeundae (East Busan).

The route number is 2029, signifying the expected completion year of the Gadeok New Airport. The service will operate 18 times a day with six buses, at approximately 60-minute intervals.

This route has more than 50% fewer stops compared to existing seat buses.

The express bus fare is set at 2,100 won for adults using a transportation card, applying the city seat bus fare. This is much cheaper than the previous airport limousine fare (10,000 won), and transfer discounts are also available, which is expected to greatly increase user satisfaction.

To improve visibility, the city will differentiate the route number by adding "Airport" at the beginning, and plans to install luggage racks inside the buses for the convenience of citizens and tourists using Gimhae Airport, the gateway for tourism.

Kang Heeseong, Director of the City's Transportation Innovation Bureau, stated, "We hope that the establishment of this alternative airport limousine route will greatly enhance transportation convenience for tourists and citizens visiting Busan. We will also do our best to select a new airport limousine operator as soon as possible so that the limousine bus can resume normal operations. Until then, we ask for your active use of the alternative urban express rapid bus."