Future-Oriented Design 'Autonomous Driving Exclusive Bus' Debuts... Pilot Operation at Cheonggyecheon

'Public Transport Purpose Autonomous Vehicle' Equipped with Future-Oriented Design, Various Passenger Conveniences, and Autonomous Driving Performance Makes First Operation
Operated as a Public Transport Purpose Van-Type Autonomous Vehicle After Confirming Safe Driving Performance and Receiving Temporary Operation Permit

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that from the 26th, it will unveil an electric autonomous driving exclusive bus at Cheonggyecheon and begin pilot operations. The city plans to complete the pilot operation and start official service in October.

The autonomous driving exclusive bus (shuttle bus) being introduced this time is not an autonomous vehicle created by attaching radars, cameras, etc. to mass-produced cars, but a future-oriented autonomous driving exclusive vehicle designed and equipped with technology from the initial planning stage specifically for 'autonomous public transportation.' It was manufactured by the autonomous driving company 42dot.

The autonomous driving exclusive bus (shuttle bus) scheduled to operate at Cheonggyecheon features a large panoramic roof installed on the ceiling, with windows positioned high and wide from the passengers' waist level to provide an open view in all directions. It also enhances passenger convenience by installing charging functions (USB ports) at each seat and large screens.

In particular, the city applied an advanced safety system supporting safe boarding by minimizing passenger pinching through pressure and light sensors (optical sensors) on the vehicle doors in preparation for future unmanned driving.

The city plans to complete the pilot operation as soon as possible and officially operate a total of three autonomous driving exclusive circular buses (shuttle buses) in October. Service will start with 20-minute intervals from Cheonggye Plaza to Sewoon Shopping Center (Cheonggye 4-ga) and will expand the route to Cheonggye 5 within the year.

Once official service begins, the buses will be available for free through 42dot’s Seoul autonomous driving exclusive smartphone app (TAP!) via public-private cooperation, offering citizens the joy of enjoying the autumn scenery of Cheonggyecheon from inside the autonomous driving exclusive bus (shuttle bus).

Baek Ho, Director of the Seoul City Urban Transportation Office, said, “You will be able to witness the spectacular sight of autonomous vehicles running in Cheonggyecheon, a famous downtown spot in Seoul,” and added, “We will spare no effort to actively support citizens in experiencing autonomous driving technology as a future short-distance public transportation means.”

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