A rendering of the Hangang River Bus, to commence its service from October (Seoul Metropolitan Government)
A water-bus service that runs along the Han River will commence in October, announced the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday.
During its press briefing, the city government said that the “Hangang River Bus” will operate a water route through seven docks in Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamwon, Oksu, Ttukseom and Jamsil.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also added that it plans to add a route that connects Gimpo and Seoul next year after consulting with officials from Gimpo to improve accessibility.
The seven docks were installed considering each district’s characteristics and potential demand for a new public transportation service according to residential, business, commercial and tourism networks, accessibility to other public transportation services, parking lots and interchanges and water depth.
The water-bus service will be divided into one-way upbound and downbound routes. On weekdays, the water-buses will run 68 times from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on weekends and public holidays, the water-buses will run 48 times from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. From Magok to Jamsil, the one-way trip will take up to 75 minutes.
During rush hour on weekdays, an “express route” will also operate 16 times, stopping at Magok, Yeouido and Jamsil, which will take up to 54 minutes.
The water-buses will operate every 15 minutes during rush hour, and during other hours, weekends and public holidays, they will operate every 30 minutes.
One water-bus can accommodate up to 199 passengers and is expected to be an eco-friendly transportation option as it is a hybrid vessel that emits around 48 percent less carbon dioxide than diesel engines.
Each trip will cost up to 3,000 won. By consulting with officials from Gyeonggi-do Office and the Incheon Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to promote transfer discounts in the metropolitan area. Commuters can also ride the water-bus using the Climate Card, Seoul's monthly transit pass released earlier this week.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that from October, eight water-buses will begin their operation and that it plans to gradually expand the number of docks and water-buses for use in the coming years.
“Because of its convenience, comfort and eco-friendliness, the Hangang River Bus will be an attractive new source of public transportation that enhances commuters’ public transportation experience and Seoul’s city competitiveness,” said Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.
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