Introduction of Hydrogen Buses on New Routes of Paju Student-Only Commuter Bus 'Paprika'

Leading Introduction of 7 Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Buses in Northern Paju Including Geumchon and Munsan
Operator Selection Completed... Pilot Operation Starts December 2, Full Operation in March Next Year

Students riding the Paju-type student-exclusive circular shuttle bus 'Paprika.'

Gyeonggi Paju City (Mayor Kim Kyung-il), Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, and Gyeonggi Paju Office of Education have collaborated to introduce seven hydrogen buses on the new routes (Geumchon, Munsan) of the Paju-type student-exclusive shuttle bus "Paprika," the first of its kind nationwide.

According to Paju City on the 22nd, operating one hydrogen bus for one year can reduce 72 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by about 2,700 pine trees in one year.

In December, three hydrogen buses will be introduced on the newly established Geumchon (G line) route in northern Paju, and four on the Munsan (M line) route, totaling seven hydrogen buses that will lead future clean energy efforts, expected to be a major driving force for Paju City's growth as a hydrogen city.

Following the selection of Pine Tour Co., Ltd. as the Paprika transportation operator for the Geumchon and Munsan areas on the 4th, all administrative procedures will be completed by October, with a pilot operation scheduled for December to identify areas for improvement, and official operation planned to start in March next year to coincide with the new school semester.

Mayor Kim Kyung-il of Paju City stated, "We expect Paprika to play a significant role in Paju City's leap as a representative hydrogen city in northern Gyeonggi Province," adding, "With the northern Paprika transportation operator selected, we will make thorough preparations and devote all efforts to improving students' commuting environment."

Meanwhile, in September, Paju City began commercial operation of its first hydrogen refueling station, the "Paju Bongseo Hydrogen Refueling Station." On the 15th, the city signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the High Technology Research Institute for the "Gyeonggi-do Mini Hydrogen City Creation Project," continuing active efforts to advance as a city leading the hydrogen economy.