South Korea launches first city bus service exclusively for pregnant women

Seoasan City is set to introduce a pioneering public transport initiative, launching a city bus exclusively for pregnant women starting in September. This "Happy Bus for Pregnant Women" is a collaborative effort with Hyundai Motor, which donated vehicles equipped with specialized features for expectant mothers and infants.

The bus boasts a low floor for easy boarding, ample space for strollers, and safety features such as pregnancy-specific seatbelts and 360-degree rotating infant car seats. The service will initially operate in the Seongyeon district, with a flexible model combining fixed routes during peak hours and on-demand services at other times, akin to a taxi.

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We will expand the support to include the disabled, the elderly, and residents of underserved areas, and extend the project to more regions, starting with Seoasan City.

Eligible users, defined as women residing in Seongyeon who are at least 16 weeks pregnant or within six months postpartum, can utilize the service up to 10 times per month for a fare of 1,500 won. The bus can accommodate up to nine pregnant women and two infants.

Hyundai Motor plans to expand this social contribution project to support other demographics, including the elderly and residents of underserved areas, and to more regions. Seoasan City Mayor Lee Wan-sup expressed his hope that the "Happy Bus" will contribute to making the city more conducive to raising children by providing a safe and comfortable travel environment for pregnant women.

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Through the dedicated Happy Bus, which provides a safe travel environment for pregnant women, we will move toward becoming a city that is good for raising children.