Autonomous shuttle 'Saebit DRT' that arrives on demand to operate in Gwanggyo, Suwon

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City will operate 'Saebit DRT (Demand-Responsive Transport)', an autonomous driving-based demand-responsive transit service, in Gwanggyo New City. Saebit DRT is an autonomous demand-responsive transport service that operates in designated zones when called through a smartphone app.

The city held the 'Saebit DRT Service Opening Ceremony' at the Suwon Convention Center on the 27th, marking the start of an autonomous public transportation demonstration project, and will pilot Saebit DRT for approximately four months starting March 3.

Two vehicles will be deployed to operate on a 6.6km route in the Gwanggyo New City area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Users can select 'Saebit DRT' for the Suwon area on the dedicated app, make a reservation by selecting their destination and preferred boarding time.

In Phase 1, it will circulate around Gwanggyo Central Station, Suwon Convention Center, and Gwanggyo Cafe Street. After a period of demonstration operation, Phase 2 will expand service to include Gwanggyo Lake Park and the National Geographic Information Institute area.

The city will demonstrate the technological capabilities and safety of an autonomous driving-based public transit system through this project. The city plans to participate in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's grant projects, secure national funding, and expand to regular operations.

Gwanggyo New City is an area with high foot traffic and transportation demand, but concerns have been raised that public transit accessibility is insufficient in some sections.

Saebit DRT is expected to fill transportation gaps and present a next-generation transit service model incorporating advanced mobility technology.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun, local residents, and others attended the opening ceremony. The mayor and attendees took a test ride on Saebit DRT following the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the city plans to continuously pursue transportation innovation linked to future mobility industries based on the operation of autonomous driving pilot zones.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun stated, "Saebit DRT is not merely a means of transportation, but the result of intelligently combining autonomous driving and demand-responsive transport (DRT)," and expressed his hopes that it would "develop into a safe and convenient future transit service that citizens can experience firsthand."