Yangpyeong-gun Overhauls Public Transportation... Paving the Way for Regional Revitalization
Connecting the Community More Closely... Launch of Yangpyeong City Circulation Bus
Improving Traffic System in Front of Yangpyeong Station... Transforming into a Public Transportation Hub
Building Systematic Transportation Infrastructure... The Foundation for a Sustainable Yangpyeong
Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, has seen a continuous increase in population over the past decade. The population, which was 100,000 in 2014, has grown to approximately 129,000 as of 2024, ranking first in population growth rate among county-level local governments nationwide.
Jeon Jin-seon, Yangpyeong County Governor, attending the opening ceremony of the Yangpyeong city circular bus. Provided by Yangpyeong County
According to Yangpyeong-gun on the 10th, the county is addressing the need to improve the existing transportation system due to expanded traffic demand and increased vehicles in urban areas caused by population growth, aiming to create a sustainable transportation environment through systematic expansion of public transportation infrastructure.
As the number of residents increased with the completion of large apartment complexes, the Gangsan Circulation Bus was launched in 2023 to meet residents' transportation needs. Additionally, to connect major areas within Yangpyeong more closely, the Yangpyeong City Circulation Bus was newly launched on the 4th of this year.
This route departs from Yangpyeong Bus Terminal at 6:40 a.m., circulating through four routes and operating intensively during morning commuting and school hours to enhance residents' mobility convenience. It is expected that this will improve local residents' mobility and eliminate existing public transportation blind spots.
The area around Yangpyeong Station is a section where major roads intersect, causing frequent traffic congestion.
To resolve this, the county expanded the roundabout and improved nearby road conditions, designated the area in front of the station as a no-parking zone, and established new transfer boarding and alighting zones to facilitate smoother vehicle flow.
In particular, the installation of smart bus stops equipped with amenities such as heating and cooling systems, heated and cooled seats, air purifiers, and free Wi-Fi has made transfer waiting areas more comfortable, further enhancing convenience for residents transferring between transportation modes. Currently, smart bus stops installed at Yangpyeong Market Entrance and Yangpyeong Station are being expanded with secured budgets from national and provincial subsidies and public projects to install at least one smart bus stop in each township.
The small roundabout in front of Yangpyeong Station, which used to experience frequent traffic congestion, was restructured through the Yangpyeong Urban Planning Road Improvement Project into an efficient design that allows smooth passage of large vehicles. To create a convenient and safe transfer transportation environment centered on Yangpyeong Station, designated parking zones for transfer vehicles have been established, building a smooth transfer system linking rail, taxi, and bus services, thereby increasing transportation satisfaction.
Yangpyeong-gun's existing bus routes faced criticism for infrequent service in some areas and an excessive number of routes relative to the number of operating vehicles, causing inconvenience. Currently, Yangpyeong-gun operates 162 routes with 47 buses, using a course system where one vehicle operates multiple routes. The public transportation modal share is only 3.5% (compared to the Gyeonggi Province average of 15%). Moreover, over 90% of all routes operate fewer than five times a day, resulting in low convenience for residents.
To reorganize bus routes more systematically and efficiently, the county conducted a 'Bus Route System Reorganization Study' in 2024, reviewing plans to reduce 162 routes to about 60 and increase daily operations from 374 to over 700 runs.
Through this, the county plans to clearly analyze problems in the public transportation system such as wide intervals between buses, overlapping routes, poor access to railway stations, and low modal share, strengthen connections between buses, subways, and taxis, and implement efficient reorganization based on big data analysis to establish a public transportation system convenient for residents and tourists. Additionally, a detailed implementation plan for the bus route system is underway this year to reflect the revised routes starting in the second half of next year.
Yangpyeong-gun is implementing a train season ticket fare support program to reduce transportation costs for residents commuting or attending school outside the county. This program, launched in October 2023, aims to promote public transportation use and expand transportation welfare.
Last year, the county supported train fares for a total of 1,228 residents, with support amounting to approximately 102 million KRW. This has significantly eased the economic burden on residents commuting or attending school long distances by rail, receiving strong positive feedback from residents.
Yangpyeong-gun maintains that systematic maintenance of existing transportation and future-oriented infrastructure development are essential for becoming a sustainable city.
Accordingly, the county is promoting the 'Underground Cable Street Environment Improvement Project' along approximately 450 meters in the Yangpyeong Mulmalgeun Market area through agreements with Korea Electric Power Corporation and various telecommunications companies. Furthermore, projects fitting the county’s goal of a ‘safe’ city are underway, including the installation of a new roundabout under the Gyeongui-Jungang Line railway and improvements to the uneven sidewalk widths between roads and pedestrian paths.
Bus Route System Reform Research Service Report Meeting held in Yangpyeong-gun on August 27 last year. Provided by Yangpyeong-gun
This project is scheduled for completion in April. The removal of obstructive utility poles embedded in existing sidewalks and the connection of the east-west axis road between Yanggeun-ri and Changdae-ri are expected to provide residents with a safe and pleasant walking environment and establish a more convenient transportation network.
Yangpyeong-gun views the transportation system reorganization as the foundation for the upcoming smart city environment centered on public transportation and plans to continue building a more convenient and safe transportation system through various transportation policies.
Jeon Jin-seon, Mayor of Yangpyeong-gun, stated, "This public transportation improvement project is not a short-term solution but a cornerstone for building a more sustainable and systematic transportation infrastructure. We will continue to establish transportation policies reflecting residents' needs and create an attractive Yangpyeong where public transportation use is more convenient."
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