Gumi City to Launch Full Operation of Happiness Bus for Citizens Starting October 1

Completion of Ultra-Precise Bus Information System (BIS)
Official Launch After One-Month Pilot Operation
Twelve Happiness Buses to Serve Every Corner of Five Townships and Villages

On September 30, Gumi City announced that the Demand-Responsive Happiness Bus (hereinafter referred to as the Happiness Bus) will begin its first operation on October 1.

The introduction of the Happiness Bus aims to address issues with bus operations in areas where the number of passengers has been low and thus inefficient. The new service will be able to enter villages that are difficult for large buses to access, thereby resolving transportation blind spots.

Mayor Kim Jangho of Gumi City in front of the Happiness Bus to be operated from October 1 / Photo by Kim Ihwan

With the completion of the ultra-precise Bus Information System (BIS), which cost 1.1 billion won, a next-generation transportation information service will be provided. This system uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to collect and update city bus location information every second, delivering real-time updates to citizens. It is expected to resolve previous issues of delays and instability by providing accurate, real-time arrival information.

In particular, citizens can instantly check this information via a mobile app and bus information terminals at stops, reducing wasted time while using public transportation. The city will conduct a one-month pilot operation to ensure stability and officially launch the service on November 1.

The city is also promoting the "City Bus Stop Maintenance Project," with a budget of 1.1 billion won. Through a comprehensive survey of all 935 city bus stops, partial remodeling has been carried out: installation or replacement of benches and lights at 197 stops, painting and maintenance at 130 stops, and replacement or installation of bus shelters at 50 stops.

Additionally, to ensure the stable operation of the ultra-precise Bus Information System, the city has simultaneously carried out the "Replacement and Installation Project for Outdated Bus Information Terminals (BIT)," with a budget of 1 billion won.

Of the 301 bus information terminals in the city, 60 outdated units have been replaced, and three new terminals will be installed near Sagok Station by the end of October, increasing the total to 304 units.

Next year, the city plans to secure additional budget to install 50 more bus information terminals, 100 covered bus shelters, and 10 smart bus shelters.

Furthermore, the city has launched the "City Bus Expansion Project" (6.76 billion won) to maintain 15- to 20-minute intervals on major routes. Since 2024, a total of 55 city buses have been added, and by 2026, 20 more will be introduced, bringing the total to 247 buses in operation. The city will also introduce express routes to further enhance convenience for citizens.

Mayor Kim Jangho of Gumi City stated, "In mid-sized cities, it is a reality that daily transportation inconveniences for citizens are accumulating. We will gradually resolve these issues through citizen-centered public transportation innovation and improve the living environment by providing a more convenient mobility system."

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