Busan Launches 'Econubi' Bus Service... Connecting Eco Delta City, Hadan, and Myeongji

Six Electric Low-Floor Buses to Be Deployed Starting October 30
First Nationwide Public Transportation Support Project for New Cities

The Econubi bus, which will operate between Busan Eco Delta City and Hadan, is set to begin service.

On October 28, the Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced that it will launch the "Econubi Bus" service connecting Eco Delta City, Myeongji International New City, and Hadan Station on October 30.

After establishing a basic plan and signing a business agreement with Gangseo District and Korea Water Resources Corporation in May, the city has spent six months preparing for the launch. The name "Econubi," chosen through a public contest, means "the citizens' means of transportation traversing Eco Delta City." The vehicle design reflects the image of an eco-friendly waterfront city, distinguishing it from conventional village buses.

The Econubi bus will operate under a limited license for five years, from 2025 to 2029, with six medium-sized low-floor electric buses deployed on two routes (Gangseo 8-1 and Gangseo 15-1).

The "Gangseo 8-1" route will run between Eco Delta City, Myeongji Saedongne, and the National Assembly Library, while the "Gangseo 15-1" route will connect Eco Delta City, Gangseo Police Station, and Hadan.

The first buses will depart at 6:20 a.m. and 6:10 a.m., respectively, with intervals between buses ranging from 35 to 40 minutes.

With the introduction of these new routes, the average waiting time for buses heading toward Hadan is expected to decrease from 13 minutes to 10 minutes, and for Myeongji International New City from 30 minutes to 17 minutes.

Fares will be the same as those for Gangseo District village buses: 1,480 won for adults and 750 won for teenagers using transportation cards, while children can ride for free. Free transfers to other public transportation will also be available. Econubi will operate as a "transportation card-only bus," meaning cash payments are not accepted; passengers without a transportation card can pay via bank transfer.

The Econubi bus represents the first on-site application of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's "Public Transportation Support Project for New Cities." In 2022, the ministry announced plans to improve metropolitan transportation for new cities, establishing a basis for initial public transportation support for 22 districts nationwide, including Eco Delta City.

Hwang Hyuncheol, Director of the Transportation Innovation Bureau at Busan Metropolitan Government, stated, "The Econubi bus is not just a new route, but a tangible result of Busan's future strategies, including smart cities, eco-friendly transportation, and the 15-minute city concept," adding, "We will continue to expand transportation services that citizens can truly experience."

Busan City Hall.

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