Yongin launches autonomous bus service in Dongbaek district

Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is set to begin a pilot autonomous bus service on route 'Yongin A01' starting July 27. The service will operate within the Dongbaek district of Giheung-gu, circulating through key locations including Yongin Severance Hospital, Dongbaek Station, Dongbaek E-Mart, and Dongbaek Library.

Two 14-passenger medium-sized buses will be deployed, with headways ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. The city has extended operating hours based on feedback from residents during the trial period. The first bus will now depart an hour earlier, and the last bus will depart 30 minutes later, accommodating student commute times and public transit transfers. The buses will run on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The city has been preparing for this service since July of the previous year, completing vehicle modifications, software installation, and obtaining temporary operating permits. Extensive trial runs since March have focused on verifying system safety and accumulating data. Professional safety drivers will accompany the buses to manage unexpected situations, ensuring passenger safety. The 'Yongin A01' autonomous bus service will be free for all citizens, with the city planning to explore a paid transportation system based on the operational outcomes.