Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation Launches Official Ttokbus Service in Eastern Gwangju
Service Begins August 11... Expansion to Tanbeol·Jangji and Taejeon·Gosan Areas
Nation's First Introduction of Eco-Friendly Medium-Sized Low-Floor Buses as DRT
The demand-responsive transport (DRT) service 'Ttokbus' will officially begin operating in two zones in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province: Tanbeol·Jangji and Taejeon·Gosan.
Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation held an opening ceremony on the 4th at Gyeonggi Gwangju Station to commemorate the operation of the Ddokbus in the eastern area of Gwangju City. Photo by Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation
On August 4, Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation announced that it held a launch ceremony at Gwangju Station to celebrate the operation of Ttokbus in the eastern districts of Gwangju, and that regular service will begin on August 11.
The launch ceremony was attended by key local figures and citizens, including Kim Youngchan, Director of Transportation Business at Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation, Bang Sehwan, Mayor of Gwangju, Heo Kyunghaeng, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council, and Gyeonggi Provincial Council members Kim Sunyoung and Lee Jahyung. The event included congratulatory speeches, commemorative photos, and a trial ride on the Ttokbus.
Ttokbus was first introduced in May last year in rural areas such as Gonjiam-eup, Docheok-myeon, Chowol-eup, and Toechon-myeon. This time, the service area has been expanded to include the eastern urban districts of Tanbeol·Jangji and Taejeon·Gosan. Through this expansion, the service aims to provide convenient transportation for residents in both underserved areas and new city districts.
Notably, the Ttokbus in the eastern districts of Gwangju is the first demand-responsive transport (DRT) service in the country to operate with eco-friendly, medium-sized low-floor buses. This is expected to improve convenience and safety for all users, including transportation-vulnerable groups, and also contribute to improving the local air quality.
In the eastern districts of Gwangju, a total of seven Ttokbus vehicles will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with four buses serving Tanbeol·Jangji and three serving Taejeon·Gosan. However, the call service closes at 11:30 p.m.
Fares are the same as regular city buses when using a transportation card: 1,450 won for adults, 1,010 won for teenagers, and 730 won for children. The integrated transfer discount for the metropolitan area also applies.
To use Ttokbus, passengers can enter their departure and destination points in the 'Ttokta' app to call a bus in real time and receive information about the boarding location and vehicle. For those who have difficulty using the app, Ttokbus can also be called by phone.
Min Kyungseon, President of Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation, said, "We hope that Ttokbus in Gwangju will help resolve transportation inconveniences for local residents and improve their quality of life. Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation will continue to expand the introduction of eco-friendly Ttokbus services to achieve carbon neutrality and ensure that all residents can enjoy safe and convenient transportation welfare."
Meanwhile, starting with the Ttokbus pilot project in Paju in 2022, Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation now operates a total of 274 Ttokbus vehicles in 19 cities and counties across Gyeonggi Province, including the latest launch in Gwangju. As an app-based new transportation system that allows passengers to travel from departure to destination while seated without transfers, Ttokbus has become well established in Gyeonggi Province and has received a positive response from residents.
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