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Shorter Waits, Faster Trips — Busan City to Implement Revised City Bus Routes Incorporating Citizen Feedback Starting July 5

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) will implement a citywide bus route overhaul based on big data analysis starting with the first buses on July 5, addressing citizen complaints about infrequent service and inefficient routes and improving the overall competitiveness of city buses.

The first phase of the overhaul will focus on Gijang and Gangseo, where population growth from new developments has created urgent demand for expanded public transportation services.

Due to changes in the city’s structure, average bus travel times increased by over 50%—from 109 minutes in 2007 (pre-semi-public operation system) to 161 minutes in 2023. As a result, average headways increased from 10 minutes to 17 minutes, significantly reducing service satisfaction.

To address this, the city commissioned a big data-based city bus route study from August 2023 to December 2024 and developed the current revision plan by analyzing complaints, holding local briefings, conducting institutional meetings, and operating a task force.

Survey results showed that 56% of citizens preferred a phased implementation. Therefore, the first phase targets Gijang-gun and Gangseo-gu, areas not served by subways and underserved by public transport.

A second phase focusing on central areas will launch after 2026, reflecting results from the first phase and changes in transportation infrastructure such as the Mandeok–Centum Deep Underground Tunnel, Sasang–Hadan Line, and Bujeon–Masan Line.

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Key Features of the New Bus Plan:

• ●Reduced long-distance (over 200 minutes) and simplified routes

• ●Urban express buses to connect city centers and outlying areas quickly via highways, bridges, and tunnels

• ●New routes for newly developed areas and route adjustments in duplicate service zones like Ilgwang New Town

• ●Expanded demand-responsive transport (DRT) ‘Tabara’ in Osiria and new DRT service in Gangseo to reduce service blind spots

Scope:

• ●Total of 40 routes:

• ○6 new routes

• ○20 route modifications

• ○8 discontinued routes

• ○6 other changes (e.g., night and early-morning services, renumbering)

To minimize confusion from discontinued or revised routes, alternative routes or DRT services will be introduced.

Example improvements include:

• ●Urban Express Bus Routes:

• ○3001: Dadaepo – Jagalchi – Yeongdo – Centum City

• ○3002: Gangseo Garage – Myeongji – Seomyeon

• ○3003: Taejongdae – Gamcheon – Sasang – Gimhae Airport

• ○3007: Gangseo Garage – Sinpyeong – Hadan – Jisa Industrial Complex

• ●Expanded DRT ‘Tabara’ in Osiria and Gangseo:

• ○From 5 to 9 vehicles in Songjeong region

• ○New service in Gangseo (9 vehicles) for residents and industrial complex workers

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Public Information & Support:

To reduce confusion, a bus information call center (☎051-986-8686) will operate and provide real-time support. Busan will strengthen public communications through brochures, posters, blogs, and Kakao Map, and monitor user complaints to refine services post-launch.

Mayor Park Heong-joon commented:

“This overhaul is our first step toward becoming a public transport-oriented city.
We will connect this reform with services like the convenient Mobile Dongbaek Pass and the innovative ‘Call-a-Bus’ Tabara,
to create a Busan where anyone can travel most conveniently, anytime, anywhere.”