The much-anticipated Han River Bus, a pet project of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, has finally arrived at the Yeouido pier, marking a significant milestone ahead of its official launch in the first half of this year. This new mode of public transportation, designed to provide citizens with a unique commuting experience, is now facing scrutiny as it prepares to navigate the city's intricate transportation network.

Arrival and Testing

On February 27th, the city government announced the arrival of the first two Han River Buses, numbered 101 and 102, at the Yeouido Han River pier. These buses, which had previously undergone rigorous testing and safety inspections by the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, are now ready for their trial runs.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient

The Han River Bus boasts a hybrid propulsion system, powered by lithium-ion batteries and diesel generators, which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 52% compared to traditional diesel engines. This eco-friendly design aligns with Seoul's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

Trial Runs and Preparations

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Future Han River Headquarters plans to conduct trial runs of the Han River Bus starting in early March. These trials will assess the vessel's performance under varying river conditions, including tides and water depths, and evaluate the functionality of docking facilities and safety measures. Additionally, joint emergency response drills will be conducted with the police to prepare for potential accidents.

Integration and Concerns

One of the key challenges facing the Han River Bus is its integration with existing public transportation systems, such as buses and subways. Concerns have been raised by civic groups regarding the practicality and efficiency of this new mode of transport.

Time Efficiency and Accessibility

While the city government claims that the Han River Bus can significantly reduce commute times, particularly during rush hour, some critics argue that it may not be as efficient as existing subway lines. For instance, traveling from Magok to Jamsil by Han River Bus is estimated to take 54 minutes, whereas the subway takes only 43 minutes.

Docking Facilities and Operations

The Han River Bus will operate from seven piers located at Magok, Mangwon, Yeouido, Apgujeong, Ttukseom, Jamsil, and Oksu. The city government has completed the installation of docking facilities at six of these locations, with the Oksu pier scheduled for completion in early March.

Financial Projections and Future Outlook

The city government's financial projections indicate that the Han River Bus may incur a deficit of approximately 8.09 billion won ($6.07 million) between 2024 and 2029. However, they also anticipate that the service will become profitable by 2027.

The Han River Bus is expected to commence official operations in the first half of this year, with departures scheduled every 15 minutes during peak hours. As this new mode of transportation takes its first steps, it remains to be seen whether it will fulfill its promise of becoming a popular and efficient means of commuting for Seoul's citizens.