Cheonggyecheon autonomous bus with no driver's seat to begin Korea's first regular nighttime service

[Financial News] An autonomous bus with no driver's seat or steering wheel will begin regular nighttime service for the first time in Korea. The route runs along Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream, connecting major downtown tourist attractions and commercial districts. It is expected to make nighttime travel more convenient for residents and tourists and help boost Seoul's nighttime economy. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 20th that the Cheonggyecheon autonomous bus “Cheonggye A01” will begin regular nighttime service at 7 p.m. on the 22nd.
The route covers a 4.8-km round trip from Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangjang Market at Cheonggye 5-ga, via Sewoon Sangga at Cheonggye 3-ga. Two vehicles will serve 11 stops in both directions, departing from Cheonggye Plaza nine times a day at 30-minute intervals. The last vehicle will leave Cheonggye Plaza at 11 p.m.
With the switch to nighttime service, the existing daytime service will end. The Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted nighttime test runs from August 18 to 31 and reviewed safety with outside experts.
Fares will be waived for the time being. However, even passengers riding for free must tap their transit cards on a reader when boarding. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to introduce fares in stages and establish the autonomous bus as a regular public transportation option. Stop locations and real-time vehicle information are available on NAVER Map and Kakao Map.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government expects the route changes to help revitalize nighttime businesses around Cheonggyecheon as well. Its plan is to connect Gwanghwamun Square, Bosingak, the Jonggak restaurant district, the Euljiro commercial district and Gwangjang Market through a single transit network, boosting demand for tourism, dining and shopping.
“Nighttime service on the Cheonggyecheon autonomous bus will go beyond letting residents experience future transportation technology in their everyday lives. By conveniently connecting Cheonggyecheon’s night views with nearby areas such as Jonggak and Euljiro, it will offer a new mobility experience that lets people enjoy Seoul’s nights even more fully,” said Yeo Jang-kwon, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Transportation Office.

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter