Kim Yong-nam: "M-Bus Inconveniences Should Be Resolved Through 'Bus Semi-Public Operation System'"

Kim Yong-nam, a Saenuri Party preliminary candidate, stated on the 10th that "the introduction of the 'bus semi-public operation system' announced on the 9th to resolve M-Bus problems should be implemented promptly."

According to the preliminary candidate Kim, the "metropolitan express bus" (M-Bus: Metropolitan Bus) introduced for the convenience of Gyeonggi Province residents commuting to Seoul has become a target of complaints from Suwon citizens and many residents of the province.

While M-Bus has the advantage of allowing passengers to sit comfortably and quickly reach their destination once boarding, there is inconvenience requiring at least 30 minutes of waiting during commute hours to board the bus, leading to the criticism that it is "heaven when riding, hell when waiting."

The bus semi-public operation system pledged by candidate Kim is a method in which local governments manage and supervise routes, frequency, fares, and operations, while local government finances compensate for the operating deficits of bus companies.

Candidate Kim stated: "Bus companies are reluctant to increase the number of buses to meet passenger demand during commute hours because during non-commute hours, passenger demand is relatively low, making profitability impossible," and added, "If the bus semi-public operation system is implemented, I will ensure that increased bus operations are achieved by mobilizing all administrative means."