"Passenger Numbers Plummet"‥ Gangneung City Bus Industry Adjusts 'Jumunjin Route'

Change in Operating Hours and Reduced Service Operation

[Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-chul] Due to the sharp decline in tourists and other users caused by the spread of COVID-19, the Gangneung city bus transportation industry will indefinitely adjust the Jumunjin routes starting from the 26th.

The Gangneung city bus transportation industry stated on the 23rd, "Last year's revenue decreased by 40% compared to normal times, and revenue last week, when social distancing level 4 was applied, decreased by 70%, causing severe financial difficulties that make it difficult to pay workers' wages."

The routes to be changed are bus numbers 300, 300-1, 300-2, 302, 302-1, 302-2, 314, 314-1, 314-2, and 315.

Accordingly, Gangneung city held an emergency meeting with city bus operators and promised to take measures to normalize management, such as reducing the operation of the 300 series Jumunjin routes starting from the 26th and paying subsidies for unprofitable routes within August.

In addition, they agreed to minimize inconvenience by posting notices about the changed schedules and adjusting times on routes with many complaints.

Cho Seong-gak, head of the Transportation Department, said, "Due to the sharp decline in users caused by COVID-19, we have inevitably decided to further adjust the city bus operating hours," adding, "The period may be extended depending on the situation."

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