'Bus Strike Crisis'... 25 Seoul District Offices to Operate Free Shuttle Buses Linked to Subways

Over 400 Free Shuttle Buses Deployed
Subway Service Increased by 172 Runs

As Seoul city buses began an indefinite, full-scale strike starting with the first buses on January 13, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and all 25 district offices activated emergency transportation measures. Each district urgently deployed free shuttle buses linked to subway stations and increased the frequency of neighborhood buses, making every effort to minimize the commuter traffic crisis.

On the morning of the 12th, one day before the scheduled strike by the Seoul city bus union, buses are arriving at the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

The Seoul Bus Labor Union, part of the Korean Automobile and Transport Workers’ Federation, and the management, represented by the Seoul Bus Transportation Business Association, declared the breakdown of wage and collective bargaining negotiations at around 1:30 a.m. on January 13. The two sides remained at odds over the issue of ordinary wages. The management proposed a total wage increase of 10.3%, but the union demanded a 3% wage increase, excluding additional payments related to the recognition of ordinary wages, and no agreement was reached.

To minimize commuter inconvenience, the Seoul Metropolitan Government implemented emergency transportation measures. Subway trains will run more frequently during rush hours, with service extended by one hour from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and late-night operations will continue until 2 a.m. the following day. This results in a total of 172 additional train operations per day.

Each district office has established free shuttle bus routes tailored to local needs. Gangdong District deployed the largest number, with 70 buses operating on seven temporary routes. The district introduced routes passing through Goduk Biz Valley and Olympic Park Foreon to strengthen connections between major residential and business hubs and subway stations.

Songpa District deployed 44 buses on nine routes. New routes were established to connect Cheonho Station and Pungnap-dong, as well as Sports Complex Station and Jamsilsaenae Station, with buses concentrated during commuting hours to improve convenience. Fifty-two district employees are working in two shifts daily to carry out the emergency transportation plan.

Dongdaemun District and Gangseo District each deployed 40 buses. Dongdaemun District set up eight routes and formed an emergency transportation headquarters to monitor real-time traffic operations. Gangseo District is operating five routes, including from Airport Market Station to Songjeong Station and from Magok Station to Balsan Station, with buses running every 8 to 10 minutes.

Eunpyeong District deployed 24 buses on six routes, connecting key local points such as Samcheolli-gol Entrance to Jingwansa Entrance, and Eunpyeong Senior Welfare Center to Eunpyeong Police Station. Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, stated, "We plan to establish an emergency shuttle bus headquarters and operate a 24-hour communication system."

Dobong District deployed 28 buses, Yongsan District 16, Yeongdeungpo District 14, and Geumcheon District 11. Most districts are operating shuttle buses from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with intervals of 10 to 30 minutes between buses.

Each district is providing shuttle bus operation information through their websites, social media, and text messages, and is posting route guides at major stops to minimize confusion among residents. District office staff are boarding each shuttle bus to assist with safe boarding and alighting and to guide passengers at stops.

In Seoul, 7,382 city buses operate on 394 routes across 64 companies. Since all 64 companies are participating in the strike, there are concerns that a prolonged strike could cause severe commuter disruptions in the cold weather.