Self-Driving Buses to Operate Around Cheongwadae and National Assembly... Pilot Zones Designated in First Half of the Year

by Roh Kyungjo

Published 22 Feb.2023 14:30(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Autonomous buses will begin pilot operations in the areas around Cheongwadae and Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul, as well as near the National Assembly.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 22nd that seven local governments nationwide have applied for the designation of eight new autonomous driving pilot zones and the expansion of one zone.

Large Electric Autonomous Bus in Seoul / Photo by Seoul City

Pilot zones are areas where various special exceptions can be granted, such as allowing passenger and freight transportation businesses using autonomous vehicles, and were first introduced in May 2020. So far, 16 zones have been designated across 12 cities and provinces nationwide in four rounds.

Seoul City has applied to designate the areas around Cheongwadae and Gyeongbokgung Palace, the vicinity of the National Assembly, and the area between Hapjeong Station and Cheongnyangni Station as pilot zones. The plan includes operating autonomous buses and shuttles for the convenience of tourists visiting Cheongwadae and visitors to the National Assembly, and conducting the first demonstration of autonomous late-night buses on the major urban route between Hapjeong and Cheongnyangni.

Chungnam, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk have each applied to designate their major planned cities?Chungbuk Innovation City, Chungnam Naepo New Town, and Gyeongbuk Provincial Government New Town?as pilot zones. This is reported to consider both the development of new industries and the improvement of living conditions for local residents. Notably, Naepo New Town includes a new type of service in its demonstration plan, such as autonomous patrol for crime prevention and parking enforcement services.

Hadong in Gyeongnam has applied for zone designation targeting the Hwagae Market area. Jeju plans to demonstrate the country's first district-type autonomous passenger transportation service and logistics delivery services such as quick delivery and courier services near the Advanced Science and Technology Complex. Previously, Jeju demonstrated a tourism-type autonomous driving service in the zone between Jeju International Airport and Jungmun Tourist Complex.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to complete the zone designations through on-site inspections and the 'Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Zone Committee' within the first half of the year.

Jeon Hyung-pil, Director of the Mobility and Automobile Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "The nationwide expansion plan for pilot zones announced last September through the 'Mobility Innovation Roadmap' is being implemented faster than expected," adding, "The government will further expand its role in budget support and system improvements to facilitate more active creation of new business models through pilot zones."