(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Jeong Soo-yeon = The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 4th that it will begin operating a “free shuttle bus” service between subway stations and ferry terminals in preparation for the official launch of the “Hangang Bus” next month.
Initially, the city will conduct a trial operation of the shuttle buses to coincide with the current Hangang Bus experience program (commuter trial team, leisure tourism trial team, and return home trial team). Once regular operations begin in September, the free shuttle service will be available during weekday commuting hours (6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM).
Starting from the 5th, shuttle buses will be available for the leisure tourism and return home trial teams using Jamsil Terminal, while buses for the commuter trial team will begin operating from Magok Terminal on the 12th.
The shuttle route at Jamsil Terminal will begin at Jamsilsaenaenadeulmok (a 5-minute walk from the terminal) and make a loop passing through Jamsilsaenae Station and Sports Complex Station on Line 2, and around the Jamsil Els Apartment Complex, with buses running at 15-minute intervals.
The shuttle bus servicing Magok Terminal will start at Gayangnadeulmok (a 3-minute walk from the terminal) and make a U-turn near Yangcheonhyanggyo Station on Line 9 and Balsan Station on Line 5. During the official operation, this route will also run every 15 minutes.
From September, when the Hangang Bus begins its regular service, an additional shuttle bus line for Apgujeong Terminal will be added. This route will go back and forth between Shinsanadeulmok (a 5-minute walk) and Apgujeong Station on Line 3, operating every 30 minutes.
The terminals serve not only as boarding and disembarking points but also as spaces where citizens and tourists can enjoy food and leisure activities while using the Hangang Bus.
Seven Hangang Bus terminals are preparing to welcome citizens with convenience stores and outlets selling coffee, chicken, and ramen.
In particular, ramen experience shops and chicken franchise outlets are opening at the Yeouido and Jamsil terminals, and cafes are being set up on the third floor of the Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, and Jamsil terminals.
Park Jin-young, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Hangang Headquarters, stated, “With the addition of the free shuttle bus service, which complements city and village buses and expanded Ttareungi rental stations, accessing Hangang Bus terminals will become more convenient.”