Changwon City Seeks Improvement Plans for Changwon Plaza Linked to S-BRT Introduction

'Changwon Woni-daero S-BRT Citizen Consensus Debate' at Changwon Convention Center on the 1st

On the 1st, Changwon City in Gyeongnam held the "Changwon Wonidaero S-BRT Citizen Consensus Forum" at the Changwon Convention Center to gather opinions from various sectors on the introduction of BRT and the revitalization plan for Changwon Square.
[Image source=Changwon City]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Changwon City, Gyeongnam, held the 'Changwon Wonidaero S-BRT Citizen Empathy Forum' at the Changwon Convention Center on the 1st.

This forum was organized under the theme 'Creating a Public Transportation System that Citizens Empathize With' to directly hear citizens' opinions on the 'Wonidaero S-BRT Construction Project,' which the city is focusing on as part of a major public transportation innovation, and to seek reasonable operational plans.

Mayor Heo Seong-mu said, "It is time for innovative measures to revitalize public transportation in Changwon City," adding, "With the semi-public bus system implemented from September 1 and the establishment of the S-BRT, citizens will enjoy universal mobility rights and high-quality public transportation services."

The forum included citizen groups, city bus and taxi drivers, experts from various fields such as transportation and architecture, and citizens who shared their opinions together. It was also broadcast live through the official YouTube channel 'Chucheon Chang.'

First, the forum's keynote presentation was given by Director Jeong Woon of Shinsung Engineering, the consulting agency, who explained the main design directions of the S-BRT construction project.

Director Jeong stated, "The Wonidaero S-BRT section will feature dedicated lanes, priority signal processing, and advanced bus stops. Articulated buses that can carry up to 80 passengers, as well as hydrogen and electric buses, will operate, providing subway-level public transportation services," revealing the future vision of Changwon's public transportation system.

He also explained that the purpose of the BRT construction project is to transform the car-centered transportation system into an eco-friendly system harmonizing public transportation, bicycles, and pedestrians. He continued with explanations on the direction of bicycle lane maintenance and improvement plans for the traffic operation system at Changwon Square.

In particular, he pointed out, "Currently, Changwon Square is surrounded by six lanes, making pedestrian access difficult, and given the recent pedestrian fatality, improving accessibility is essential."

Pedestrian-centered proposals connecting City Hall and the square, as well as plans to maintain the circular symbolism of Changwon Square while installing pedestrian traffic lights, were introduced as accessibility improvement measures.

Next, under the moderation of Lee Yoon-gi, co-chairman of the Changwon City Bus Reform Citizens' Countermeasure Committee, expert discussions were held with Professor Kim Hoe-kyung of Dong-A University, Professor Yoo Jin-sang of Changwon National University, Councilor Lee Cheon-su of Changwon City Council, Dr. Jeon Sang-min of Changwon City Research Institute, and Je Jong-nam, head of the New Transportation Promotion Division of Changwon City. A free discussion involving all citizens followed.

During the expert discussion, opinions were shared that "While referring to BRT cases operated in other regions, a Changwon-type BRT that reflects Changwon's transportation characteristics well should be established."

Regarding Changwon Square, there was unanimous agreement with the opinion that "It should change according to the times and circumstances. Rather than emphasizing only the symbolism of the square, accessibility should be improved to return it to citizens as a resting space rather than a dangerous area."

Additionally, suggestions were made that "Since the traffic system will be completely changed with the introduction of BRT, thorough verification is necessary to ensure there are no issues with vehicle flow."

In the free discussion, opinions were raised that "Changwon Square is currently difficult to drive through and has many cut-ins, so not only pedestrian accessibility but also the traffic system needs improvement," and that "Measures against traffic congestion caused by lane reduction are necessary."

The city plans to review and reflect the various opinions from the forum in the ongoing basic and detailed designs, and after consultation with the police station, aims to disclose specific design plans through a residents' briefing session as early as December this year.

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