Icheon City in Gyeonggi Province announced on August 12 that it plans to begin recruiting transportation operators for the introduction of the demand-responsive transit (DRT) bus, known as 'Ddokbus', in the Sindun and Majang areas starting this November.
Icheon City operates the 'Ddokbus' in public transportation underserved areas. The city plans to introduce Ddokbus in the Sindun and Majang areas starting this November. Provided by Icheon City
The 'Ddokbus' is a demand-responsive bus service operating in public transportation underserved areas within Gyeonggi Province. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it adjusts its routes in real time based on passenger requests and operates as a shared-ride public transit option.
In Icheon City, Ddokbus service began in December 2023, with 12 vehicles operating in the downtown area, 8 in Janghowon, and 3 in Yul-myeon. Under the new expansion, 3 Ddokbuses will be deployed in the Sindun area and 5 in the Majang area, operating within each respective region.
The city expects that the introduction of Ddokbus in Sindun will help alleviate parking shortages at Sindun Ceramics Village Station, while in Majang, it anticipates a revitalization of the central commercial district.
In particular, the city is considering a pilot operation of a tourism-oriented Ddokbus on weekends, connecting Sindun Ceramics Village Station, Icheon Ceramic Art Village (Yes Park), Lotte Premium Outlet, Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum, and Jisan Resort.
Through the operation of Ddokbus, the city plans to discontinue 11 inefficient city bus routes, thereby increasing operational efficiency and achieving an estimated annual budget savings of around 500 million won.
Meanwhile, in response to requests to improve student transportation in the Bubal and Baeksa areas, the city will operate dedicated school buses starting in October instead of introducing Ddokbus, aiming to address student commuting inconveniences.
Kim Kyunghee, Mayor of Icheon, stated, "The introduction of Ddokbus will greatly improve mobility for residents," adding, "We will continue to reflect citizens' opinions broadly and steadily improve the public transportation system."
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