"Official Removal Order Issued by the City Following Complaints"
The Santa Bus, which had become a well-known attraction in downtown Busan during the winter season, has suspended operations due to safety concerns raised by public complaints. Some citizens expressed regret, saying that the "romance" of Christmas has disappeared.
According to the Busan City Bus Transportation Association on December 12, all decorations from the four Santa Bus routes (Nos. 187, 508, 3, and 109) and the Doll Bus (No. 41) have been dismantled. This decision was made due to safety concerns regarding potential disasters such as fires.
Recently, Busan City received complaints stating that the interior decorations of the Santa Bus posed a high fire risk, and subsequently requested the bus companies operating the Santa Bus to remove the decorations.
A bus driver, Mr. A, who operated the No. 187 Santa Bus, announced the suspension of operations on his Instagram. He stated, "The city issued an official notice for removal due to a public complaint. All interior and exterior decorations will be taken down," adding, "The company also said there is nothing they can do."
He continued, "I feel very sorry and regretful, as children must have been waiting to ride the Santa Bus. I was happy to share these events with everyone, and it was also a memorable experience for me. I will remember it for the rest of my life." Mr. A had decorated the bus at his own expense for nine years, from 2016 to this year.
In fact, interior bus decorations are restricted under current regulations, but until now, bus companies and Busan City had supported operations in recognition of the good intentions behind the project.
After the news broke, online users commented, "If it was dangerous, they should have found a way to support it safely," "Who is actually filing these complaints?" "It was such a delightful thing," and "They have taken away the happiness of many people," expressing their disappointment.
Meanwhile, as a result of this measure, the decorations from the four Santa Bus routes (Nos. 187, 508, 3, and 109) and the Doll Bus (No. 41) will be dismantled.
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