Osan City Introduces 4 Eco-Friendly Two-Story Electric Low-Floor Buses on Route 5300

Osan City announced on the 21st that starting in September, it will introduce 4 eco-friendly two-story electric low-floor buses (hereinafter referred to as eco-friendly two-story buses) on intercity bus route 5300, which operates between Osan City and the Gangnam area of Seoul.

Mayor Jo Yong-ho met with officials including Lee Jong-gyu, Executive Director of Yongnam Express, the operator of route 5300 bus, at his office this afternoon and urged smooth implementation of the eco-friendly two-story buses. He also proposed continuing discussions regarding the issue of increasing intercity buses to Seoul.

According to the city, route 5300 is an intercity bus connecting Shinnonhyeon Station (Shinbundang Line, Line 9), Gangnam Station (Shinbundang Line, Line 2), and Yangjae Station (Shinbundang Line, Line 3) in Seoul. It has been one of the essential routes for citizens commuting to Seoul, but demands for increased buses have continued due to congestion during rush hours.

Accordingly, the city decided to introduce eco-friendly two-story buses as a replacement for aging single-story buses that have reached the end of their service life and has been pursuing this plan. As of August, 7 out of a total of 15 buses have been operating as eco-friendly two-story buses, but with the addition of 4 more vehicles, 11 eco-friendly two-story buses will be operated, which is expected to significantly enhance transport capacity. Eco-friendly two-story buses can transport 1.6 times more passengers per trip than single-story buses, providing the equivalent effect of adding approximately 2 conventional buses.

Furthermore, the introduction of eco-friendly two-story buses is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants in the public transportation sector, contributing to air quality improvement and carbon emission reduction. Additionally, the operation of low-floor buses is expected to improve mobility convenience for transportation-disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities and the elderly.

Mayor Jo Yong-ho stated, "I believe this introduction of eco-friendly two-story buses will help improve citizen mobility and reduce the full capacity rate during commute times." He added, "Going forward, we will actively promote citizen-centered eco-friendly public transportation policies to create a safer and more convenient intercity transportation environment."