Gyeonggi-do Holds Meeting on '2-Story Electric Bus Improvement Plan'

Gyeonggi-do, Metropolitan Area Wide Transport Committee, City/County, Transport Companies, and Hyundai Motor Attend
2nd Floor Electric Bus Battery Fire Prevention and Post-Management Improvement Meeting with Related Agencies

Gyeonggi Province held a meeting on the 24th with the Metropolitan Area Transport Committee, city and county officials, transportation companies, and Hyundai Motor Company, the manufacturer of electric buses, to discuss "Improvement Measures for Double-Decker Electric Buses."

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 25th that it held a meeting on the "Double-decker Electric Bus Improvement Plan" on the 24th with the Metropolitan Area Transport Committee, city and county officials, transportation companies, and Hyundai Motor Company, the manufacturer of electric buses.

This meeting was a follow-up to the meeting held on July 19, during which in-depth discussions were conducted with the central government and manufacturers regarding the safety management measures and operational difficulties of double-decker electric buses discussed at that time.

In Gyeonggi Province, 115 double-decker electric buses, introduced since 2021 to alleviate standing passengers on commuter express buses, are currently in operation; however, there are safety concerns due to the lack of fire extinguishing equipment in case of lithium battery fires. In particular, there are operational difficulties due to insufficient aftercare such as delays in parts supply and a shortage of maintenance shops.

The province, cities and counties, and transportation companies requested Hyundai Motor Company to cooperate on realistic warranty repair periods for double-decker electric buses, smooth parts supply, expansion of maintenance shops, and preparation for lithium-ion battery fires to ensure safe and sustainable operation of double-decker electric buses. Hyundai Motor Company responded that it would consider improvements.

Lee Woo-jung, Director of the Bus Management Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Cooperation among the government, manufacturers, and transportation companies is essential for the safe operation of electric buses," adding, "We plan to continuously strengthen cooperation with related organizations for the safety management and efficient operation of double-decker electric buses."