"In a significant step for autonomous public transit, Seoul, South Korea has launched a new daytime autonomous bus route, marking a key expansion of its self-driving bus fleet. This driverless shuttle service operates without a safety driver onboard during daytime hours, showcasing the city's growing confidence in autonomous vehicle technology. The initiative is a core component of the Seoul smart city project, aimed at enhancing urban mobility and reducing congestion through innovation."
South Korea's capital, Seoul, is slated to officially launch a daytime driverless bus line in late September, with trials currently underway. Unlike previous driverless buses, this one features no dedicated driver seat or steering wheel, making it a more automated route.
Multiple South Korean media outlets reported that the bus route, approximately 4.8 kilometers long, will run between Cheonggyecheon Plaza and Gwangjang Market in downtown Seoul. It will operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and will not run on weekends or public holidays.
On November 24, 2022, a self-driving bus pulled into a stop in Seoul, South Korea. Two driverless buses will be put into operation, each with 11 seats, display screens, and wheelchair lifts. While there will be no dedicated driver seat, a safety officer will be present on board.
The bus line began trial operations on the 22nd of this month and will undergo a series of safety tests before officially launching in late September. Initially, the bus line will be free, with a paid service planned once it matures. In recent years, Seoul has been constantly trying to apply driverless technology to the public transportation sector, such as adding some driverless bus routes during the early morning hours to cope with problems such as driver shortages.
"The new driverless bus route provides a vital connection within the city's public transportation network, offering residents and visitors a firsthand experience with cutting-edge smart city transportation. Unlike many night-time or limited pilots, this daytime operation of a driverless bus demonstrates significant technological maturity. The success of this autonomous bus program positions Seoul as a global leader in the real-world application of autonomous public transit solutions, attracting attention from cities and technology firms worldwide."
