Service Begins on October 15
6-Kilometer Circular Route Launches
Seodaemun District in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Seongheon) will begin operating autonomous buses on a 6-kilometer route between Seodaemun District Office and Exit 3 of Gajwa Station starting October 15. Two vehicles will circulate a total of 14 times a day on weekdays, from 9:20 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and all residents and visitors can use the service free of charge.
The buses have a capacity of 12 passengers, and two safety personnel will be on board to ensure the safety of elderly and vulnerable passengers. Key stops along the route include popular attractions such as Hongjecheon Cafe Waterfall and Hongje Waterfall, which are expected to enhance transportation convenience for both tourists and local residents.
The Seodaemun District autonomous bus route was selected through a Seoul City public contest in August last year, designated as a “pilot autonomous bus operation zone” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in July this year, and passed the Seoul City safety operation verification last month, completing all required procedures. The pilot operation period will last for three years, and RideFlux Co., Ltd. will be responsible for operations.
The opening ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on October 14 at the Hongjecheon Cafe Waterfall Terrace (262-24 Yeonhui-ro), featuring a performance by students from the Department of Vocal Music at Chugye University for the Arts, a project progress report, and a test ride event. The district will also conduct real-time monitoring for the safe operation of the autonomous buses and carry out passenger satisfaction surveys.
Lee Seongheon, Mayor of Seodaemun District, stated, “The introduction of public autonomous buses on the Gajwa Station-Seodaemun District Office route will mark a significant step forward in transforming our district into a cutting-edge city in the era of smart mobility.”
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