RideFlux Launches World's Longest Autonomous Public Transportation Service in Jeju

116km Round-Trip Route Bus-Type Autonomous Public Transportation Service

Autonomous driving software startup RideFlux announced on the 23rd that it will launch Jeju's first route bus-type autonomous driving service, operating the Tamna Autonomous Vehicle service that it ran until last year, which runs back and forth between Jeju City Hall and Seogwipo City Hall. RideFlux explained that the round trip from Jeju City Hall to Seogwipo First Government Office is 116 km, making it the longest autonomous driving public transportation route in the world.

RideFlux is a technology startup developing autonomous driving software. In June, it proved its autonomous driving technology by obtaining Korea's first temporary permit for unmanned autonomous vehicles without a safety operator in the driver's seat. The Tamna Autonomous Vehicle public transportation service operates only on weekdays with a safety operator on board from July 24 to December. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it operates route 901, which runs through 17 sections between Jeju City Hall and Seogwipo First Government Office, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., it operates route 902, which runs back and forth through 3 sections between Jeju City Hall and Jeju International Airport.

The 901 bus autonomously drives a one-way 58 km section from Jeju City Hall to Seogwipo First Government Office for more than 1 hour and 40 minutes. The route includes not only general roads within the urban living area, such as the large roundabout in front of Jeju Provincial Office, but also high-speed roads with a maximum speed of 80 km/h, requiring technology capable of stable autonomous driving during congested urban long-distance driving and high-speed driving.

The Tamna Autonomous Vehicle public transportation service uses Solati vehicles that can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Transfers to other public transportation buses are also possible. Park Jung-hee, CEO of RideFlux, said, “The Tamna Autonomous Vehicle public transportation service operates in areas with high mobility demand within Jeju's urban living area, such as government offices, airports, bus terminals, and large marts,” adding, “We expect it to be an opportunity for more people to experience autonomous driving in their daily commutes and to broaden positive perceptions.”