Sangcheong County's Free Rural Bus Service Receives Strong Response from Passengers

Passenger Numbers Rise by Over 40% in Six Months
Service Officially Named "Sancheong Masil Bus" by Residents

The full implementation of free rural bus service by Sangcheong County, the first of its kind in South Gyeongsang Province, has received an enthusiastic response from passengers.

According to Sangcheong County on November 12, the county introduced free rural bus service for the first time in the province in May. This initiative has been credited with reducing transportation costs for residents, improving convenience for travel between towns and villages, and revitalizing traditional markets and the local economy.

Within just six months of implementation, the number of passengers increased by more than 40 percent, making the buses an essential means of transportation for both residents and visitors. In addition, passengers can board and disembark the free buses without any special procedures, which shortens boarding times and allows them to sit down with both hands free, contributing significantly to the spread of a safer public transportation culture.

Photo of Lee Seunghwa, Sangcheong County Governor, conducting an on-site inspection of free rural bus service.

In response, Sangcheong County is accelerating efforts to establish the free bus service as a more familiar mode of transportation. Last month, the county conducted an online and offline survey to determine the preferred name for the service.

The survey presented five candidates: "Sancheong Masil Bus," "Sancheong Nuri Bus," "Sancheong Happiness Bus," "San Majung Bus," and "Sancheong Duru Bus." Among these, "Sancheong Masil Bus" received the highest score.

Based on the results of the survey, the free bus service will now be officially named "Sancheong Masil Bus." On this day, Governor Lee Seunghwa visited the site to gather public opinion and ensure the vibrant operation of the Sancheong Masil Bus.

Meanwhile, Governor Lee boarded the Sancheong Masil Bus departing from Sinchon in Obu-myeon and traveled to the Sangcheong Terminal, listening to the opinions of residents and bus drivers. Suggestions such as route expansion, additional bus stops, and adjustments to bus intervals were actively collected and will be reflected in future bus operation plans.

Governor Lee stated, "Since the implementation of free rural bus service, travel convenience has greatly improved and usage rates continue to rise. We will continue our efforts to enhance transportation convenience and expand practical, user-centered public transportation services."

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