Jeonju City Accelerates Introduction of Village Bus 'BaroOn' Within the Year

Operation of 18 Routes Including City Outskirts and Areas Without City Bus Service

Photo by Jeonju City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Tae-in] Jeonju City in Jeollabuk-do is accelerating efforts to introduce village buses within the year to reduce travel inconveniences for residents in outer areas such as Jochon-dong, Uwa-dong, and Dongseohak-dong.

On the 28th, the city announced that it is speeding up the introduction of the Jeonju-style village bus called ‘Baro-on,’ which will operate on 18 routes including outer villages and areas where city buses do not run.

A total of 14 Baro-on village buses are planned to be deployed, with fares set at 500 won, cheaper than city buses.

The routes include ▲ Yeo-ui and Jochon-dong directions covering Gojan, Sinyugang, Deokdong, Honggae, Cheongbok, Yongsin, Singi, Osin villages (8 routes) ▲ Innovation and Manseong-dong directions (2 routes) ▲ Geumam, Inhu, and Uwa-dong directions covering Geumha and Wongumsang villages (3 routes) ▲ Pyeonghwa-dong direction covering Chudong, Hakjeon, and Wondang-ri (1 route) ▲ Dongseohak-dong direction covering Samgyeongsa, Godeok, and Eunseok villages (4 routes).

The city is currently proceeding with procedures to purchase eco-friendly electric vehicles for the village buses, which have greenhouse gas and fine dust reduction effects.

Additionally, to establish infrastructure such as electric charging stations necessary for village bus operation, the city plans to strengthen cooperation systems with KEPCO and Jeonju Facilities Management Corporation.

For this purpose, the city has already signed a consignment contract with Jeonju Facilities Management Corporation for operation and plans to hire operational personnel.

At the same time, the city is building a transportation card system including transportation card terminals and transfer programs, and is also accelerating the production of village bus fare boxes and wrapping designs.

Furthermore, a village bus guidebook containing information on new village bus routes and timetables will be produced and distributed to nine community centers including Jochon-dong and over 50 villages such as Gojan Village.

The city expects that with the introduction of the Jeonju-style village bus Baro-on, the mobility rights of transportation-vulnerable groups such as elderly residents in rural areas who have experienced inconvenience due to the lack of city bus services will be strengthened.

Moreover, the existing city bus routes, which had low ridership and long distances, can be reorganized, improving working conditions for bus drivers and reducing the financial burden on transportation companies.

Prior to this, last month, the city held a final report meeting for the village bus introduction and route system establishment project to discuss the areas for village bus introduction, proposed routes, and detailed operational plans.

They also held a residents’ briefing session to inform and collect opinions from residents in the planned village bus introduction areas.

Lee Kang-jun, Head of the Citizen Transportation Headquarters, said, “We expect that the introduction of village buses will provide residents in public transportation vulnerable areas with a convenient environment for using city buses,” adding, “We will do our best to ensure the smooth introduction of village buses by actively reflecting residents’ opinions during the process.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.