Mandatory Introduction of 'Low-Floor Buses' for Route Bus Replacement and Disposal Starting Next Year

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to Announce Amendment in December

Introduction of Metropolitan Express Buses Deferred Until 2027

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Starting early next year, when replacing or retiring existing route buses, they must be replaced with low-floor buses equipped with ramps at the entrances. Accordingly, the number of 'low-floor buses,' which have a lower floor making it easier for wheelchair users to board, is expected to increase.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 18th that it will publicly notify the amendment to the "Enforcement Rules of the Act on the Promotion of Convenience for Transportation Disadvantaged Persons," which mandates the introduction of low-floor buses when replacing or retiring route buses, starting from the 19th. The amendment is scheduled to be promulgated in December after consultations with related ministries, and reviews by the Regulatory and Legal Affairs Office following August 29.

This amendment to the enforcement rules is a follow-up measure to the revision of the Act on the Promotion of Convenience for Transportation Disadvantaged Persons at the end of 2021. Accordingly, from January 19, 2023, low-floor buses must be introduced when replacing or retiring route buses, excluding intercity buses.

Intercity buses are excluded from the low-floor bus introduction requirement due to economic reasons, but when replacing or retiring, they must be equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities (lifts).

For metropolitan express and other seat-type buses, considering that seat-type low-floor bus vehicles are currently under development, the introduction has been deferred until January 1, 2027. Already deployed low-floor buses (mixed standing and seating) cannot operate on expressways due to insufficient safety equipment such as seat belts, lane departure warning systems, and emergency automatic braking systems.

Even if subject to mandatory introduction, exemptions are granted if recognized by local governments. Additionally, local governments may grant exceptions if the road conditions on the route, such as bridges or slopes, make it difficult to operate low-floor buses.

However, to ensure transparency and objectivity in granting exceptions, opinions from transportation disadvantaged groups and related experts must be heard. Furthermore, by the end of January each year, transportation administrative agencies are required to publish on their official websites the routes approved for exemption, reasons for exemption, and improvement plans, and submit this information to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as a formal system.

To prevent confusion in the application of laws, the start date for calculating reductions or increases in fines for violations such as BF certification mark violations will be clearly defined as "the date the violation was detected."

Yoon Jin-hwan, Director General of Comprehensive Transportation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "With the mandatory introduction of low-floor buses, the convenience of public transportation will be greatly enhanced not only for people with walking disabilities but also for the elderly and families with infants." He added, "We will continue to devise various support measures and actively promote institutional improvements to create a barrier-free transportation environment."

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