South Korea to expand 'subway on roads' BRT in provinces

South Korea is set to significantly boost investment in its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, aiming to bridge the transportation divide between the capital region and other major cities. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Metropolitan Transport Commission announced its "2nd Comprehensive Plan for Bus Rapid Transit Systems (2026-2030)" on July 29, outlining a strategy to enhance public transit accessibility nationwide.

The plan prioritizes expanding BRT systems in provincial metropolitan areas, treating them as a "subway on the road" by integrating rail system efficiencies into bus operations. This initiative seeks to improve punctuality and travel speeds, encouraging a shift from private vehicle use to public transportation for inter-regional travel.

Over the next five years, the government intends to invest a total of 1.6 trillion won (approximately $1.15 billion USD) in establishing 38 BRT routes across the country. A key focus is the allocation of national funds, with 77% (407.6 billion won) earmarked for provincial projects. This investment aims to connect BRT lines to major hubs like airports, train stations, and bus terminals, creating integrated transportation networks and improving travel convenience between adjacent cities.

Among the 38 routes, 15 are new projects, including connections to the planned Gadeokdo Airport in Gyeongnam, the National Assembly building in Sejong from Osong Station in Chungbuk, and Unseo Station from the Third Yeongjong Bridge in Incheon. The plan also includes doubling the length of dedicated BRT lanes nationwide from 351 km to 707 km and increasing average bus speeds by 20% from 21 km/h to 25 km/h.

Further enhancements include minimizing platform-to-vehicle gaps, expanding low-floor bus services for accessibility, and increasing the proportion of eco-friendly hydrogen and electric buses to over 50%. "The 2nd Comprehensive Plan for BRT is a mid-to-long-term blueprint that fosters BRT as a core axis of the wide-area transportation network, connecting five major cities and three special zones," stated Kim Yong-seok, head of the Metropolitan Transport Commission. "We will create an environment where people can travel faster and more conveniently by enhancing inter-regional connectivity and transit systems at key hubs."

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The 2nd Comprehensive Plan for BRT is a mid-to-long-term blueprint that fosters BRT as a core axis of the wide-area transportation network, connecting five major cities and three special zones. We will create an environment where people can travel faster and more conveniently by enhancing inter-regional connectivity and transit systems at key hubs.