Free Shuttle Bus Service in Industrial Complex, a Step Back for the "Daejabo City"

Sim Cheol, Gwangju City Council Member, "Public Transportation Policy Must Be Consistent"

Sim Cheol-ui, member of Gwangju City Council.

Shim Cheol, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, Seo-gu 4), urged a review of the operation of the "Industrial Complex Free Shuttle Bus" during the administrative audit of the Gwangju Integrated Airport Transportation Bureau on the 14th.

Councilor Shim pointed out that the free shuttle bus for industrial complex workers does not align with Gwangju City's public transportation policy, calling for efficient use of the budget and consistency in public transportation policies.

Councilor Shim stated, "Except for the Gwangju Bitgreen Industrial Complex, the Cheomdan, Pyeongdong, and Hanam industrial complexes are all accessible by public transportation, so there is no need to operate shuttle buses." In the past, industrial complexes were located on the outskirts of the city, resulting in poor public transportation accessibility, but now transportation networks such as buses and subways are sufficiently established, reducing the need for free shuttle buses.

He especially emphasized, "Continuing to operate shuttle buses on the grounds that public transportation does not run inside the industrial complex is a waste of budget," and proposed alternative measures using village buses and 'Taranggae' shared bicycles. He explained, "Utilizing village buses and shared bicycles can maintain convenience of movement within the industrial complex while reducing the city's financial burden."

Gwangju City is currently promoting the "Daejabo City" policy, which aims to establish a transportation system centered on public transportation, bicycles, and walking. Councilor Shim criticized the operation of free shuttle buses as inconsistent with the intent of this policy.

Councilor Shim emphasized, "Operating unnecessary shuttle buses while aiming for a people-centered transportation system is a policy contradiction," and stressed, "Gwangju City should focus on its original goal of enhancing the efficiency of public transportation."

He also urged, "Instead of shuttle buses, more efficient transportation services should be provided through expanding public transportation networks and delegating village buses," and added, "Gwangju City must improve budget efficiency and maintain consistency in public transportation policies."