Dongjak District’s “Dementia Safety Center Shuttle Bus” Surpasses 20,000 Cumulative Passengers

The “Safe Companion Shuttle Bus,” operated by Dongjak District in Seoul (Mayor Park Ilha) to improve transportation convenience for residents using the Dementia Safety Center, has been receiving an enthusiastic response, with the number of passengers rapidly increasing.

Park Ilha, mayor of Dongjak District, is greeting passengers during the first operation of the Dementia Safety Center shuttle bus in August 2023. Provided by Dongjak District.

According to the district, as of August 14, the shuttle bus had recorded a cumulative total of 11,018 passengers, already far surpassing last year’s total of 7,470 passengers. Since its first operation in August 2023, the cumulative number of passengers exceeded 20,000 in just two years.

The district attributes this increase to proactive administrative improvements. Initially, a large 34-seater bus was operated, but issues were raised regarding traffic congestion during stops and difficulties navigating narrow roads. In response, the district switched to a more maneuverable 25-seater mid-sized bus in August last year.

Along with the vehicle change, the routes were adjusted to allow service through neighborhood alleys, and new key stops were established at Solbat Library, Exit 3 of Soongsil University Station, Sando 2-dong Community Center, and Exit 4 of Nodeul Station, thereby improving accessibility.

Currently, the Safe Companion Shuttle Bus operates six times a day on weekdays, circulating through 13 stops from the first departure at 8:30 a.m. to the last at 4:00 p.m. Detailed route information is available on the Dongjak District Dementia Safety Center website, and inquiries can be made by calling the center at 02-598-6088.

Mayor Park Ilha stated, “The shuttle bus, which serves as a vital means of transportation for residents using the Dementia Safety Center, has been met with great enthusiasm, with more than 20,000 cumulative users. Since consistent management and prevention are crucial in addressing dementia, we will continue to strengthen the safety net for seniors.”

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