Hwaseong City Launches Smart Bus Service in Bongdam, Namyang, and Mado Areas

[Suwon Ilbo=Lee Su-won Reporter] Hwaseong City announced on the 20th that it will begin operating smart buses in the Bongdam and Namyang~Mado regions starting the 23rd.

'Smart Bus' is a Gyeonggi Province-type Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) system that provides flexible transportation services in newly developed residential areas and transportation blind spots where securing public transit is difficult. Unlike conventional bus routes with fixed schedules, it operates flexibly in response to passenger calls without set routes or timetables.

The vehicles are 13-seat Solati buses, with five vehicles operating in each of the Bongdam and Namyang~Mado regions. After a week of free trial operation from the 23rd to the 29th, paid regular service will commence on the 30th.

To use the service, passengers can download the 'Ddoktab' app, register as a member, register a transportation card, and make real-time ride requests. The fare is the same as existing city buses, and transfer discounts are also available.

Mayor Jung Myung-geun of Hwaseong City stated, "The smart bus will serve as the citizens' lifeline in the new city where public transportation infrastructure is lacking," and added, "The smart bus will play an important role in achieving balanced urban development in the southwestern region and establishing a local trunk line system."