Dongjak A01 Route: Soongsil University to Chung-Ang University, 1.62km
Two Weeks of Trial Rides Before Official Launch for General Passengers
Dongdaemun and Seodaemun District Routes Set to Open in September
Seoul City will introduce the 'Local Companion Autonomous Bus.' This service will operate as a village bus at the district level, with two buses running in the Dongjak District area.
According to Seoul City on June 29, the 'Dongjak Local Companion Autonomous Bus (Dongjak A01)' will run a round-trip route covering 1.62 kilometers one-way, from the main gate of Soongsil University, passing through Soongsil University Station, to the back gate of Chung-Ang University.
The appearance of the 'Local Companion Autonomous Bus' that Seoul City announced to introduce starting from Dongjak District. Seoul City
As part of its transportation policy reflecting the city’s philosophy of 'accompanying the vulnerable,' Seoul City has introduced ▲late-night autonomous buses and ▲early-morning companion autonomous buses, with cumulative ridership approaching 40,000 passengers. The new 'Local Companion Autonomous Bus' is significant because it expands service coverage to 'public transportation blind spots,' such as areas with disconnected local transit.
The operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. on weekdays. The buses will run 14 times per day in each direction, at intervals of 20 to 25 minutes. While the existing late-night and early-morning companion autonomous buses are managed and operated by Seoul City, the 'Local Companion Autonomous Bus' will be managed directly by the district office. Seoul City will cover all operating costs in the first year, and from the second year onward, will provide technology development support funds based on evaluations of passenger transport performance and operating distance, in accordance with local ordinances. The district office will be responsible for route planning, operator selection, and management of operations, and will secure its own budget from the second year onward. Previously, in August last year, Seoul City held an open call for all 25 districts, and three districts (Dongjak, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun) were selected.
Seoul City will conduct pre-operation, including trial rides, for two weeks until July 11. Starting July 14, the buses will be open to the general public. During the two-week pre-operation period, trial rides will be offered to organizations such as Dongjak District and Soongsil University through internal recruitment. From July 14, any citizen may board the bus. For passenger safety, the buses will initially operate with only seated passengers and no standing allowed.
Since the autonomous public transportation service is being provided to local residents, there will be no fare. The service will remain free of charge until paid transportation is introduced in the first half of 2026. Seoul City Transportation Director Yeo Jangkwon stated, "We will continue to collaborate with district offices so that the Local Companion Autonomous Bus can connect transportation-isolated areas and become a means of mobility for residents," adding, "We will do our best to continue policy efforts so that advanced transportation can contribute to citizens' mobility convenience."
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