Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Donggeun Inspects Student Commute on Bus Route 133 in Howon Area

On January 6, Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) conducted an on-site inspection by boarding city bus number 133 during the morning rush hour and school commute time to assess the commuting conditions for students in the Howon area.

Mayor Kim Donggeun is listening to a student’s opinion about the commuting environment at bus stop number 133 on the 6th. Provided by Uijeongbu City

This inspection was carried out as part of the city's efforts to expand student commuting services, which was one of the 'Top 10 Innovative Bus Service Measures in Uijeongbu City' announced in December last year. The purpose was to check the actual bus usage environment, congestion levels, and bus stop conditions during school commute hours, and to identify areas for improvement.

Mayor Kim Donggeun traveled along major sections of the Howon area using bus number 133, which is heavily used by students during school commute hours, and checked ▲ the student boarding and alighting process ▲ congestion inside the bus ▲ traffic flow ▲ waiting conditions at bus stops. He also listened to the opinions of students and citizens on site, and discussed ways to improve commuting conditions with relevant city officials and representatives from transportation companies.

One student who took the city bus said, "The bus route takes a detour, so it takes a long time to get to school. There is a school bus in the Gosan district, but not in my neighborhood, which is disappointing. I hope it can be improved so I can get to school faster."

Bus route 133 is a major line connecting the Howon-dong area with downtown Uijeongbu and Seoul, and is heavily used by students during school commute hours. Based on the results of this on-site inspection, the city plans to analyze operating conditions by time and section where student use is concentrated, and to gradually review measures to improve student-focused services.

A city official said, "The commuting environment for students is an important issue that goes beyond transportation, as it is also related to daily life, safety, and educational conditions. Based on what we have identified on site, we will develop practical solutions so that students can use the bus more safely and conveniently."

Mayor Kim Donggeun boarded city bus number 133 on the 6th and is listening to a student's opinion about the commuting environment. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Meanwhile, to expand student commuting services, the city is sequentially implementing policies such as improving route operations, analyzing usage by time period, and preparing tailored measures to meet commuting demand. The city also plans to continue on-site inspections focusing on major student commuting routes in the future.