Hangang Bus Suspended for a Month After Repeated Malfunctions... Oh Sehoon Orders Measures to Ensure Public Safety

Seoul Shifts to "No-Passenger Trial Operation"
Frequent Malfunctions from the Outset Prompt Suspension
City to Review Response Systems for Breakdowns and Weather

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has suspended the operation of the "Hangang Bus" just ten days after its inaugural voyage. The frequent malfunctions that emerged from the outset of operations were cited as the reason. Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon urged officials to "take proactive measures to ensure public safety."

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 29th, the city will halt public boarding of the Hangang Bus for one month starting today and switch to a "no-passenger trial operation" aimed at enhancing performance and stability.

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon rides the Hangang bus on the 18th to inspect its interior and exterior. Photo by Kim Youngwon

On September 18, the city introduced the eco-friendly Hangang Bus to the Han River for the first time and began official operations. However, on the very first day, complaints were filed about a toilet malfunction causing sewage to back up. On the 20th, operations were suspended when the discharge from the Paldang Dam exceeded 3,000 tons due to heavy rain. On the 22nd, an electrical system failure forced passengers to disembark mid-journey. On the same day, Bus No. 104 bound for Magok encountered issues during pre-departure checks; despite an hour-long repair attempt, the service was ultimately canceled.

On the 26th, a rudder malfunction during operation blocked Hangang Bus access in both directions. Once the rudder issue was confirmed, authorities immediately decided to return to port for safety reasons, arriving at Magok Pier at 12:50 p.m., ten minutes later, and safely disembarking all 70 passengers. At that time, the city refunded all passengers and conducted inspections and repairs on the affected vessel.

There have also been repeated complaints from citizens about engine noise. The Hangang Bus uses a "hybrid system" powered by a lithium-ion battery and a diesel generator. The battery serves as the main power source during docking and departure, but the system switches to the diesel generator during navigation. Since the generator is located at the stern, it generates noise once the vessel sets sail.

In the end, due to the repeated suspensions, the city decided to implement a trial operation period. Mayor Oh was also found to have discussed with on-site operation staff the need for proactive safety measures before public concerns escalate.

The upcoming "no-passenger trial operation" will run 14 times a day, seven times in each direction, just as before. Through this trial, the city aims to improve operational quality and strengthen its ability to respond to unexpected malfunctions, weather conditions, and other various situations.

After the trial period, the city plans to add more hybrid and electric vessels to reduce intervals between departures and to review the system for starting operations earlier in the day. A city official explained, "Technical and electrical minor defects that can occur during the initial optimization phase have been detected. Although we took immediate corrective action, we decided to implement a trial operation period to prioritize passenger safety and ensure stable operations in the long term." The city also plans to refund 5,000 won to citizens who have already purchased season passes. Refund instructions will be provided via the T-money website, mobile app, and individual text messages.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government also plans to conduct an audit regarding the delays in Hangang Bus operations. Mayor Oh had previously announced a "thorough audit" during a city council session on August 29.

The Hangang Bus was originally scheduled to begin official operations in October last year, but the start was delayed until September this year due to setbacks in shipbuilding and delivery. In response to criticism that the construction was entrusted to an inexperienced startup, resulting in delays and soaring costs, Mayor Oh commented, "(As the project was delayed,) the staff in charge probably wanted to change contractors midway through." He added, "However, I was told that switching contractors would have only further increased the time and cost, so they had no other choice." He continued, "At the time, I accepted this as a reasonable decision, but once the project is complete, I will conduct a thorough audit of the entire process. I intend to clearly identify who is responsible and how an unqualified company was selected in the first place."

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