Starting in May, Gyeonggi Premium Bus Service to Run from Gwonseon, Suwon to Seoul Station

[Suwon Ilbo=Park Nohoon Reporter] The 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus,' which offers a higher level of service than general metropolitan buses, is expected to expand from the existing six routes to up to 16 routes this year.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 5th that it will sequentially introduce 10 routes of the 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus' starting in May to improve commuting transportation convenience in the metropolitan area.

The 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus' is a new concept transportation service introduced by Gyeonggi Province to encourage commuters to switch from private vehicles to public transportation during rush hours as part of realizing the civil administration's 7th term election pledge of 'Gyeonggi where public transportation is more convenient than private vehicles.'

The service is characterized by providing wider, faster, and more convenient services compared to general metropolitan buses through the introduction of 28-31 seat deluxe-class vehicles, a mobile seat reservation system, express service stopping only at major transit points, and a tagless payment system in preparation for the COVID-19 era.

The province has been operating a pilot project with a total of six routes since November last year—one in Suwon, three in Yongin, and two in Hwaseong—and has shown significant contribution to addressing long-standing complaints about conventional metropolitan buses such as standing-room-only service, long waiting and travel times, frequent transfers, narrow seats, and reducing commute times during rush hours.

According to a satisfaction survey conducted in January this year, 71% of respondents answered that their commute time was shortened by 10 to 20 minutes or more, and 88% expressed satisfaction. Additionally, more than 68% responded that the premium bus service should be expanded.

Based on the achievements of the pilot project operation, the province decided to expand and operate the routes this year based on a needs survey conducted by municipalities and districts.

First, seven routes will be sequentially introduced starting May 10: Suwon (Gwonseon)-Seoul Station, Yongin (Mabuk)-Sungnyemun, Yongin (Heungdeok)-Jamsil, Uijeongbu (Minlak 1)-Konkuk University, Uijeongbu (Minlak 2)-Konkuk University, Uijeongbu (Minlak 2)-Changdong, and Uijeongbu (Gosan)-Konkuk University.

The remaining three routes—two in Siheung and one in Yangju—will be finalized through consultations with municipalities and districts, route planning, and limited license application procedures, with operations to begin within the year.

The 'Gyeonggi Premium Bus' operates on a membership basis. Users simply download the mobile app MiRi+ (미리 플러스), register as a member, and pre-book their desired route and seat.

Service does not operate on weekends and public holidays, and runs only during commuting hours (morning 6-9 a.m. for outbound, afternoon 5-10 p.m. for return).

The fare is 3,050 won per trip, considering that the service operates exclusively during weekday commuting hours and is differentiated from conventional buses. Transfer fare system applies as with other public transportation.

The province plans to conduct continuous inspections of new routes together with municipalities and districts, and based on these results, formulate expansion plans to extend both service routes and operating hours.

Lee Ho-won, head of the Bus Policy Division at Gyeonggi Province, said, "With the expansion of these new Gyeonggi Premium Bus routes, commute times will be shortened, and the introduction of deluxe-class seating will provide a more comfortable and relaxed commute," adding, "We will ensure thorough monitoring and analysis so that the service can operate successfully."