A Year of Route 1205 Brings Positive Changes to Commuting
Significantly Improved Access to Seoul... A New Turning Point for Uijeongbu's Metropolitan Transit Network
Mayor Kim Dong-geun Rides Route 1205, Engages with Citizens: "Creating a Better Transportation Environment"
Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) is driving innovation in public transportation through metropolitan buses, creating changes in the commuting experience for its citizens.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun is boarding the No. 1205 express bus on the morning of the 13th to inspect the commute route. Provided by Uijeongbu City
According to Uijeongbu City on the 13th, the metropolitan bus route 1205, which opened on March 4 last year, connects the Minrak and Gosan districts to Sangbong Station, contributing to reducing travel time for citizens commuting to Seoul.
The city has expanded metropolitan bus routes to solve commuting traffic congestion. Currently, 53% of Uijeongbu’s workforce commutes outside the city, with many citizens using subways and metropolitan buses daily to travel to Seoul. However, due to insufficient public transportation options, congestion during peak commuting hours was severe, causing significant inconvenience due to long travel times. To address these issues, the city promoted the introduction of metropolitan buses, resulting in the creation of route 1205.
Notably, Sangbong Station, the terminus of route 1205, is a major transfer hub where Seoul Subway Line 7, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Gyeongchun Line, and the KTX Gangneung Line intersect. It serves as a key transportation hub facilitating easy access not only to Seoul’s Gangnam and Gangbuk areas but also to the northeastern metropolitan region.
By passing through Sangbong Station, Uijeongbu citizens can quickly transfer to various routes, effectively shortening their commuting times.
Route 1205 was newly established to reflect the transportation demand caused by the rapid population growth in the Minrak and Gosan districts. Especially during peak commuting hours, congestion on subways and existing metropolitan buses intensified, continuously raising concerns about citizens’ travel inconvenience.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun is inspecting the 1205 express bus route on the morning of the 13th, checking the area around the bus stop. Provided by Uijeongbu City
In response, the city conducted public transportation demand analysis and gathered citizen feedback, officially requesting the establishment of route 1205 to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Metropolitan Transportation Committee (Daegwangwi) in December 2022. The city actively emphasized that this route would be a key transportation means to reduce commuting burdens and enhance public transportation efficiency.
Route 1205 was designed with fast travel and transfer convenience in mind. It maximizes connections with existing subways and utilizes the Guri-Pocheon Expressway to shorten travel times. Through this, Uijeongbu citizens can access central Seoul more quickly and conveniently.
However, establishing a metropolitan bus route faced challenges due to low operational profitability, making private operators reluctant to participate. Therefore, the city invested some funds to promote the route’s opening, and on March 4 last year, route 1205 began operation, becoming a key transportation means supporting citizens’ commutes.
Currently, five buses operate route 1205, running 31.4 km one way 30 times daily at intervals of 20 to 40 minutes. As ridership gradually increases, a stable operational system has been established. In April, the route will be partially adjusted to coincide with the opening of Seogwang-ro in the Gosan district to further improve transportation accessibility.
Looking at operational performance, monthly ridership was 7,592 in the early opening phase (April 2024) and increased by about 14.5% to 8,696 as of January 2025.
Specifically, weekday ridership rose from 6,179 to 7,074, an increase of 895 passengers; Saturday ridership increased by 38 from 844 to 882; and Sunday ridership grew by 171 from 569 to 740. This steady increase over one year has improved citizens’ travel convenience.
On the first anniversary of the route’s opening, Mayor Kim Dong-geun personally boarded route 1205 on the 13th to communicate with commuting citizens. On that day, Mayor Kim spoke with passengers waiting at the Jeongeum Village Gosan 2 Complex stop and listened to citizens’ inconveniences after boarding. He also met with transportation workers to gather opinions on safe driving and service improvements, inspecting overall bus operations.
One citizen said, “Since route 1205 started, commuting times have shortened, and transfers at Sangbong Station have become convenient,” adding, “I hope continuous expansion of the transportation network will continue.” Another citizen positively commented, “Previously, the subway was crowded during the commute, causing discomfort, but since the metropolitan bus started, the burden has lessened.”
Mayor Kim Dong-geun stated, “Route 1205 is the first metropolitan bus route promoted by Uijeongbu City under the 8th elected administration to innovate public transportation. We will continue to strive to enhance citizens’ transportation convenience,” adding, “We will design public transportation policies centered on citizens to create a more convenient travel environment.”
Kim Dong-geun, mayor, conducting a pre-inspection before the opening of the 1205 express bus last year. Provided by Uijeongbu City
The city plans to continue expanding various metropolitan transportation networks to minimize inconveniences for citizens commuting to Seoul. Additionally, through continuous citizen feedback collection, the city will optimize bus routes and implement transportation policies reflecting users’ needs. Through these efforts, the city aims to reduce commuting times and further develop into a ‘city where people want to walk and stay.’
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