'Shuckle,' a large shuttle taxi for boarding and alighting anywhere, begins operation in Eunpyeong New Town

Implementation of AI-Based Demand-Responsive Public Transport Without Stops or Routes... Paid Service Launch After Pilot Operation and Improvements, Expected to Become a New Mode of Transportation

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that the on-demand mobility service ‘Shucle,’ a collaboration between Hyundai Motor Company and KSTM, officially began operation in Eunpyeong New Town on the 9th.

‘Shucle’ is a compound word combining ‘Shuttle,’ a means of transportation regularly traveling between multiple areas, and ‘Circle,’ meaning community or group, symbolizing the creation of a mobility environment where anyone can move comfortably and freely within their community.

Shucle is an 11-passenger large van taxi that allows multiple passengers with different destinations within a 2 km radius to hail and share rides via an app, similar to a taxi.

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is an on-demand public transportation service without fixed stops or routes, where AI analyzes real-time travel demand and dispatches and operates buses on the most suitable routes.

Passengers can check waiting and arrival times when calling via the app. Although ride-sharing is prohibited under the current Taxi Development Act, the service became possible after receiving a regulatory sandbox exemption from the Ministry of Science and ICT in November 2019.

Eunpyeong New Town, home to approximately 58,000 residents, lacks sufficient public transportation to meet demand, causing inconvenience for housewives, the elderly, and youth who heavily rely on public transit. Therefore, it was selected as a pilot service area, with a trial operation conducted from February to May last year involving about 400 participants.

During the period, there were over 15,000 calls and rides, with an average daily operation of 755 km. Approximately 30% of respondents reported substituting private car use with Shucle, confirming a reduction in automobile demand.

Following the pilot, after additional service improvements and inspections, Shucle has now launched full-scale paid service, operating six Hyundai Solati vehicles daily from 6 a.m. to midnight without holidays.

To prevent COVID-19 infection, thermometers and hand sanitizers are provided inside the vehicles, and regular disinfection is thoroughly conducted.

Shucle operates on a monthly subscription fare system that provides a set number of rides upon payment, with each ride deducted once used. During the three-month promotional discount period, users can enjoy the service at a lower cost.

Going forward, Eunpyeong-gu plans to continuously consult with Hyundai Motor Company to establish various fare plans and improve services according to customer demand trends from the paid operation.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung, who personally oversaw Shucle’s operation, stated, “Eunpyeong New Town lacks village bus services, making it difficult to meet transportation demand for accessing major facilities such as subway stations and shopping malls with existing public transit. We hope Shucle, utilizing AI technology, will serve as an alternative to resolve these public transportation blind spots and establish itself as a successful on-demand transportation service in Eunpyeong.”

She added, “We will actively cooperate not only to coexist with existing transportation industries such as taxis and buses but also to create positive synergy throughout the region by linking with the Eunpyeong New Town commercial district.”

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