Bus drivers to take longer, more frequent breaks

Bus drivers will be required to take longer and more frequent breaks during their driving hours as a way of enhancing passenger safety, the transportation ministry said Tuesday.

Starting from Tuesday, those driving city buses are required to take a minimum 10-minute break after each complete run, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(Yonhap)

They will be required to take a 15-minute rest should their route take more than two hours to be completed and a 30-minute break for each four-hour run, it added.

The new and reinforced measures follow a series of traffic accidents, involving overworked drivers of passenger carrying vehicles.

The ministry said companies that fail to meet the new safety requirements may have at least part of their business suspended for up to 30 days following their first violation, and up to 60 and 90 days following their second and third violations.

Those driving intercity or express buses are required to take a minimum 15-minute break after each run.

All bus drivers will need at least eight hours of rest before they will be able to drive again after each full day of work, the ministry said. (Yonhap)