Where river meets road: Seoul launches new mass transit system
Date Dec 26, 2024
Yeouido as seen from the Hangang Bus route (Video courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Seoul is launching the Hangang Bus, a new waterborne means of transportation, with two newly constructed catamarans ready for service. These vessels’ specially designed low-profile hulls will minimize wave impact and allow them to pass under Jamsugyo, the city bridge with the lowest boat clearance, that sits right below Banpodaegyo Bridge. Their white base color with a gradient of blue hues echoes the river’s shifting appearance throughout the day, creating a visual connection between the vessels and the natural surroundings.
Eunsung Heavy Industries constructed the first two vessels in the Hangang Bus fleet. Both are currently undergoing maritime trials and safety inspections in coastal waters under the supervision of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority. After their scheduled delivery in December, the Hangang-based operational fleet will be expanded gradually through the construction and delivery of six additional vessels, with four more to be held in reserve.
A rendition of the Hangang Bus, which will usher in an era of water transportation on the Hangang River (Image courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
The service will connect four strategic locations along the river – Magok, Yeouido, Oksu and Jamsil – when launched in March, with stops at Mangwon, Jamwon and Ttukseom added by November, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Each vessel can transport up to 199 passengers and crew and will be available to commuters and tourists alike. The planned hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. The “going up” service will start in Magok and terminate in Jamsil, with the “going-down” service operating in reverse. Regular departures are scheduled to take place every 30 minutes. The riverine buses are set to run every 15 minutes during weekday rush hour traffic (6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.). The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion while enhancing the city’s tourism appeal and modernizing its public transportation system. The carefully selected stops provide access to key business districts, residential areas and recreational spaces, maximizing the service’s utility.
Exterior and interior shots of the Hangang Bus (Photos courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
The Hangang Bus will undergo extensive testing to ensure smooth vessel operations and dock management and be put into service only after passenger comfort and safety can be guaranteed. These trials will focus on verifying service quality and identifying any operational issues that need to be addressed.
Day and night renditions of Hangang Bus docks (Images courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
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