Goheung County Launches First Eco-Friendly Electric Low-Floor Bus

Contributing to Carbon Neutrality and Improving Mobility for the Transportation Vulnerable

Goheung County, South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced that, in line with the government's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and improving transportation convenience for the mobility-impaired, it has introduced eco-friendly electric low-floor buses for the first time. Starting with one bus on the 7th, a total of five will be in operation by mid-March.

With the revision of the 'Act on Promotion of Convenience for Transportation Vulnerable Persons' making it mandatory to introduce low-floor buses when route buses are newly purchased or replaced, the county supported bus companies with subsidies to promote the introduction of these eco-friendly electric low-floor buses.

Goheung County is introducing and operating eco-friendly electric low-floor buses for the first time to achieve carbon neutrality and improve mobility convenience for transportation disadvantaged groups. Photo by Goheung County

The electric low-floor buses have a lowered chassis and are equipped with wheelchair boarding devices, making it easy for passengers with mobility difficulties, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women, to board and disembark. In addition, their low noise and minimal vibration provide a comfortable ride, raising expectations for high-quality public transportation services for residents.

The bus companies conducted a one-day trial run to verify safety and identify routes where operation may be difficult. The low-floor buses will first be deployed on routes excluding those with uneven road surfaces or excessively high speed bumps.

The county plans to introduce three additional electric low-floor buses in the second half of this year, expanding the adoption rate to 20%. It also plans to continue replacing aging route buses with eco-friendly vehicles as their service life expires.

A county official stated, "With the introduction of eco-friendly electric low-floor buses, we expect to provide comfortable and convenient public transportation services not only to residents and the transportation vulnerable but also to tourists visiting Goheung County."

Meanwhile, Goheung County operates call taxis and voucher taxis for people with disabilities, as well as demand-responsive buses and 100-won taxis in areas with poor public transportation, as part of various policies to improve the transportation environment and strengthen mobility rights for the transportation vulnerable.