Gimpo City Hits Jackpot with Conversion of 70C and 70D to Regular Routes... City Vows Continued Expansion of Transportation Welfare

From July 1 to 7, Gimpo City Reports
117% Increase in 70C and 44% in 70D Ridership
Citizens Express Gratitude for "Expanded Transportation Convenience"

Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province is receiving an enthusiastic response from citizens after converting bus routes 70C and 70D into regular lines as part of the core transportation policy of the 8th popularly elected administration. The number of passengers has increased noticeably, and citizen satisfaction has also risen significantly.

A banner expressing citizens' gratitude for the change of bus number 70 is displayed in front of Gimpo City Hall. Provided by Gimpo City

According to Gimpo City (Mayor Kim Byungsoo), starting from July 1, the previously rush-hour-only routes 70C and 70D were converted into regular lines, expanding service to weekends and weekday daytime hours. As a result, transportation convenience to Seoul has greatly improved, with the ability to travel directly to one's destination via Pungmu-dong without transfers being cited as a major advantage.

According to passenger statistics compiled by Gimpo City from July 1 to July 7, the number of daily passengers on route 70C increased from an average of 460 to 1,000, representing an increase of about 117%,

while route 70D saw an increase from 710 to 1,025 passengers, or about 44%.

This surge in demand is attributed to the conversion of the Hyangsan-ri and Singok-ri sections in Gochon-eup?areas that were relatively underserved by public transportation?into regular routes, resulting in increased usage not only during the morning rush hour but also during the daytime and evening commute. In addition, on weekends, an average of 330 passengers use route 70C and 255 use route 70D, further demonstrating a significant improvement in public transportation convenience.

Citizen satisfaction with the route conversion is also notable.

In front of the main entrance to Gimpo City Hall, a banner reading, "Congratulations on the operation of the 70C regular route. We deeply appreciate the efforts of Mayor Kim Byungsoo and all Gimpo City Hall staff," has been displayed, and the relevant city departments have been receiving a steady stream of thank-you calls.

In particular, the Hyangsan-ri area had previously had no city bus service at all due to road conditions, so this conversion to a regular route is being evaluated as a substantial expansion of transportation welfare.

A Gimpo City official stated, "Since city bus public management involves the allocation of budget, we will do our utmost to provide transportation convenience that Gimpo citizens can truly feel."