Seoul City to Launch Full-Scale Operation of 'Autonomous Vehicles' in Sangam-dong from the 10th... App Call Service

Paid Autonomous Vehicle Transport Begins in Sangam... Citizens Can Board Anytime via Real-Time Calls
First Ride Free When Signing Up Through Autonomous Driving App

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 9th that starting from the 10th, in Sangam-dong, designated as the ‘Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zone,’ anyone can freely hail and pay for autonomous vehicles in real-time, marking the official launch of autonomous vehicles as a regular mode of transportation.

Beginning on the 10th, four passenger-type autonomous vehicles will operate, running between DMC Station, apartment complexes, and office areas. Passengers can hail and board autonomous vehicles in real-time through the Seoul autonomous driving dedicated smartphone app (TAP!), developed jointly by Seoul City and private companies. Since the issuance of paid transportation licenses on November 29 last year, Seoul City, together with autonomous vehicle companies, provided free ride opportunities to about 250 citizens and experts over approximately 50 days. Reflecting citizens’ feedback, the number of boarding and alighting points was significantly increased to enhance passenger convenience, thereby starting full-scale commercialization as a public transportation option.

The paid autonomous vehicle routes starting operation this time include two lines. The ‘Sangam A01’ route circulates 5.3 km with three vehicles running between DMC Station, S-Plex Center, Western Driver’s License Test Center, Sangam World Cup Park Complex 7 and 5, Sangam Police Station, and back to DMC Station. The ‘Sangam A02’ route, operated by one vehicle, circulates 4.0 km connecting DMC Station, Humansia Apartments, Nurim Square, DMC Advanced Industry Center, MBC, SBS, and back to DMC Station, covering subway stations and office districts.

Within the designated routes (operation sections), passengers can freely select specified boarding and alighting points. The service operates similarly to a taxi, stopping only at the passenger’s specified departure and destination points. Additionally, ride-sharing is not permitted. The fare is set at 2,000 KRW to allow citizens to use autonomous vehicles affordably. Unlike per-person fares, a flat fare per trip is charged regardless of the number of passengers, and only the base fare is collected regardless of travel distance.

To use the autonomous vehicles, download the Seoul autonomous driving dedicated smartphone app (TAP!) from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After signing up and registering a payment method (card), anyone can hail and use autonomous vehicles in real-time. The Seoul autonomous driving dedicated smartphone app (TAP!) was developed through public-private cooperation (Seoul City and 42dot) and is a mobile platform specialized for autonomous driving, providing real-time operation information, hailing, boarding, and payment for all autonomous vehicles operating in Seoul.

Seoul City plans to offer free rides for first-time users to provide more citizens with the opportunity to experience autonomous vehicles. Additionally, passengers who leave ride reviews on SNS by the end of February will receive free coffee coupons as part of an event.

Furthermore, an autonomous shuttle bus circulating between DMC Station and the park area, which has applied for a paid transportation license, is expected to start operation as early as March. By the end of this year, Seoul plans to expand paid autonomous vehicle transportation to a total of 12 vehicles in Sangam-dong, establishing a foundation for more convenient use of autonomous vehicles.

Baek Ho, Director of Urban Transportation, said, “Autonomous driving is no longer a distant future technology but is already approaching us closely. This marks the first step toward the commercialization of autonomous vehicles as a transportation option for citizens.” He added, “Seoul City will spare no policy support to become a leading city in autonomous vehicle operation.”

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