Gyeonggi Province to Operate as 'Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus' from September
Design Changed from Gold to Purple
44-Seater Seat Buses Allowed According to Regional Needs
Gyeonggi Province will rebrand and redesign its 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus,' which was introduced in 2020 to offer a more comfortable environment than regular city buses, as 'Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus' starting in September this year.
The 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus' is a subscription-based transportation service introduced by Gyeonggi Province to alleviate rush hour traffic congestion by leasing buses. Its features include a seat reservation system through the mobile application (miri+), spacious and comfortable seats provided by premium buses, and reduced commuting times thanks to express routes that stop only at major hubs.
Addressing the shortcomings of conventional buses, the service operates on a membership and reservation basis. The necessity for this service has grown due to the continued urban expansion in Gyeonggi Province and the development of new towns and residential districts, which have increased demand for metropolitan commuting services during rush hours. Currently, 19 routes are operating in 8 cities within the province.
To improve the image of the existing service and increase residents' familiarity, the province held a public contest and changed the name to 'Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus,' meaning 'Gyeonggi (G) Bus for Comfortable Rides.' The vehicle design has also been updated from gold to a modern and sophisticated purple.
Previously, 28- to 31-seater premium buses were operated to provide wider seats, but the options have been expanded to include 41- to 44-seater seat buses, depending on regional demand and conditions.
Additionally, five new 'Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus' routes for 2025 have been selected, focusing on areas with high metropolitan commuting demand or where new demand is expected. The newly selected routes are: Suwon (Suwon Terminal~Jamsil), Bucheon (Okgil~Pangyo), Uiwang (Jangan~Seohyeon), Yangju (Samsung·Hoecheon~Pangyo), and Gapyeong (Seorak~Jamsil). These routes will begin sequential operation in the second half of this year after procedures such as selecting transportation operators and preparing vehicles are completed. Once these five routes are in operation, 'Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus' will have a total of 24 routes.
Those wishing to use the Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus can download the mobile app MiRi+, register as a member, and reserve their desired route and seat.
Kim Jongcheon, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Bus Policy Division, said, "The rebranding of Gyeonggi Pyeonhagi Bus marks the starting point for further improving the quality of Gyeonggi Province's public transportation services," and added, "We will continue to make various efforts to enhance metropolitan transportation convenience for residents."
Meanwhile, as part of the 'Gyeonggi Province City Bus Public Management System,' the province has newly selected three metropolitan public bus routes within the province through city and county contests and the deliberation of the Gyeonggi Province Bus Policy Committee. The newly selected routes are: Hwaseong (Bongdam~Pangyo), Ansan (Seonbudong~Suwon Station), and Pocheon (Idong·Dopyeong-ri~Byeollae Station). The province plans to select two additional routes through further contests in the second half of the year, ultimately establishing a total of five new routes.
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