Gimpo City to Convert 70C/D Express Buses to Regular Routes
Regular Operation Begins July 1 with Public Bus Management System
Morning Rush Hour Intervals Maintained... 20-40 Minute Intervals on Weekends
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) announced on June 11 that the 70C/D express commuter bus routes, which have been operated to alleviate congestion on the Gimpo Gold Line, will be converted into regular routes starting July 1.
The 70C/D buses, which have been responsible for providing a fast and safe commute for residents of Gochon and Pungmu, will now be available not only during morning rush hours but also during evening rush hours and on weekends due to this transition to regular routes. This is expected to significantly contribute to reducing congestion on the Gold Line during evening rush hours by dispersing passengers.
The regular routes will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (previously 6:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.). During the morning rush hour (6:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.), the 70C bus will run every 10 minutes and the 70D bus every 7 to 8 minutes, as before. Outside of these hours, buses will run at intervals of 20 to 40 minutes. On weekends, service will also be expanded to intervals of 20 to 40 minutes.
The 70C/D routes have been operated as express buses only during morning rush hours to facilitate the commute of residents in Hyangsan-ri and Singok-ri in Gochon-eup. However, since there was no service outside of the morning rush hour, there have been ongoing requests from citizens for these buses to become regular routes.
Listening to citizens' opinions, Gimpo City has been working since last year to convert the 70C and 70D routes into regular routes. After extensive review and efforts, the city achieved success by applying for and being selected for the new route project under the 2025 Gyeonggi Province Public Bus Management System (semi-public system) route bidding model.
As a result, the city will be able to improve public transportation services for citizens by securing stable bus operators and maintaining consistent bus intervals through cost-sharing with Gyeonggi Province (30% provincial funding, 70% city funding).
In May, Gimpo City selected a bus operator through an implementation agreement following negotiations with the preferred bidder designated by Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation, and is now finalizing preparations for the start of operations and administrative procedures.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "The 70 bus has had an immediate effect in reducing congestion on the Gimpo Gold Line and has received strong support from residents. Since Gimpo City cannot solve transportation issues alone, we have secured significant support through continuous communication with the central government, Gyeonggi Province, and Seoul City, including Seoul City's exceptional decision to open a dedicated bus lane to Gimpo Airport in just over a month." He added, "Gimpo City will continue to prioritize the safety and convenience of citizens commuting to and from Seoul by focusing on improving transportation infrastructure and efficient operations, thereby continuously enhancing the public's experience of transportation convenience."
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