Approximately 169,000 Passengers by Last November, Rising to 205,000 This Year
Continuous Improvements in Transportation Infrastructure, Including Electric Low-Floor Buses and BIS Expansion
Yanggu County in Gangwon Province announced on December 22 that public transportation usage among residents has increased following the implementation of the fully public-operated and free public bus system, which began in January this year.
The number of public bus passengers was approximately 169,000 by November last year, but for the same period this year, it reached about 205,000, an increase of around 36,000. This rise is analyzed as the result of both the introduction of free buses and improvements in operating conditions.
To enhance access to public transportation, the county has gradually upgraded its transportation infrastructure by introducing electric low-floor buses, expanding the Bus Information System (BIS) and Bus Information Terminal (BIT) at bus stops, and adjusting bus intervals. Additionally, to improve mobility in areas where bus service is difficult, the county has operated both the Hope Taxi and the Happy Village Bus, thereby expanding its ability to meet transportation demand.
In particular, the Hope Taxi recorded a 26.5% increase in usage, rising from about 20,800 rides to approximately 26,300 rides by November last year, establishing itself as a vital means of transportation in rural and mountainous areas. The Happy Village Bus continues to operate with the aim of improving mobility within township-centered living areas.
Meanwhile, to strengthen the foundation for public transportation operations, the county is utilizing the Local Extinction Response Fund to modernize the public bus garage. This project aims to renovate outdated facilities and improve conditions for vehicle inspection and management, and is being carried out in stages.
The county plans to continue improving the stability of public transportation operations in 2026. Initiatives such as introducing a passenger counting system for boarding analysis, installing boarding bells to communicate boarding intentions, reviewing route optimization, renovating old bus stops, adding more electric buses, and upgrading BIS functions will be implemented sequentially.
Yanggu County will continue to review matters related to the operation of public transportation and will consistently consider improvement tasks to enhance convenience for residents.
Meanwhile, the Hope Taxi and Happy Village Bus are projects implemented to guarantee mobility rights for residents in transportation-vulnerable villages where rural buses do not operate.
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