A Bus Door Opens, but No Driver in Sight? ...Even in Downtown Seoul

[Financial News] RideFlux has launched its Autonomous Bus service in downtown Seoul. Following Jeju Island, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and Busan, the company has now expanded its autonomous public transportation network to the Seoul metropolitan area.
On the 13th, RideFlux announced the commencement of its autonomous public bus operations in Seodaemun District, Seoul. The new route covers approximately 5.9 kilometers, connecting Seodaemun-gu Office to Gajwa Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and links key community hubs such as Seodaemun Culture & Sports Center, Baekryeon Market, and Gajaeul New Town.
The service utilizes two Hyundai Solati-based minibuses, each accommodating up to 12 passengers. Like conventional village buses, the fixed-route service allows boarding and disembarking only at designated stops. Buses run at roughly 25-minute intervals from 9:20 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Initially, the service is free of charge, but fares will later be set at the level of standard village buses.
Each bus is equipped with eight cameras, five LiDAR sensors, and one radar, enabling 360-degree real-time detection of surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and objects. The system is integrated with the Seoul Future Mobility Center for real-time location and autonomous driving status management, and safety is enhanced by receiving traffic signal information via Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). A safety officer is present on every vehicle to respond to unexpected situations.
With the launch of the Seodaemun service, RideFlux now operates autonomous public transportation in four regions nationwide: Jeju Island, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Busan, and Seoul. The company plans to expand its service bases to the Seoul metropolitan area and major regional cities within the year. Notably, in Sangam, Seoul, RideFlux is testing fully driverless autonomous vehicles with no safety manager in the driver’s seat.
Joong-Hee Park, CEO of RideFlux, stated, “The Autonomous Bus in Seodaemun District, Seoul, marks a meaningful starting point for citizens to experience autonomous driving in their daily lives. We will continue to expand our services to major cities nationwide so that more people can enjoy safe and convenient autonomous transportation.”
jimnn@fnnews.com Shin Ji-min Reporter