Busan City to Make Baekyang Tunnel Toll-Free Starting January 10 Next Year

Withdrawal of Partial Amendment Ordinance on 'Busan City Toll Collection, etc.' Submitted to City Council

Busan City will implement free tolls for the Baekyang Tunnel starting January 10, 2025, as the private operator's management and operation period ends on January 9, 2025.

Baekyang Tunnel, Busan.

In preparation for the end of the private operator's management period, the city has considered two options for the future operation of the Baekyang Tunnel: ① reducing the current toll from 900 KRW to 500 KRW, a decrease of about 45%, or ② making the tunnel completely toll-free.

The city initially planned to expand the current four-lane Baekyang Tunnel to seven lanes in both directions and continue collecting tolls at a reduced rate of 500 KRW, instead of the current 900 KRW, in order to prevent traffic congestion. This was due to concerns that making the tunnel toll-free would cause daily traffic volume to surge from the current 75,000 vehicles to over 100,000 vehicles.

However, considering the continuous public demand for toll-free passage and the ongoing burden on citizens amid rising prices and economic difficulties, the city has decided to prioritize citizens' convenience and make the Baekyang Tunnel toll-free from January 10, 2025, even if it results in a financial burden.

The city stated that this decision to implement free tolls was made after thorough consideration and review, and it will actively address any traffic congestion that may arise from making the Baekyang Tunnel toll-free.

The city will withdraw the proposed ordinance amendment regarding toll collection on paid roads that was submitted to the city council, and plans to submit the ordinance amendment for the introduction of smart tolling on the Gwangan-daero at the next session of the city council (the 325th regular session).

Mayor Park Hyungjoon emphasized, "Even if a decision is made based on rational alternatives in city administration, it is empathetic leadership to respect the demands of citizens when they call for tangible benefits," and added, "Taking into account the need to reduce citizens' toll burden and guarantee their right to travel, we have decided to make the Baekyang Tunnel completely toll-free. Our city will continue to pursue future vision projects for Busan to become a global hub city without setbacks, always listening to the voices of our citizens, and steadily promoting necessary projects for Busan's development by directly engaging and persuading the public."