Table of Contents
- Launch of Busan Autonomous Bus Late-night Service
- Overview of Naeseong to Jungdong BRT Autonomous Bus Operation
- Summary of Routes and Dispatch Intervals
- Key Stops Configuration
- Boarding Conditions and Safety Management Standards
- Autonomous Driving Technology Verification and Expansion Plans
- Significance of Busan's Late-night Autonomous Bus
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Launch of Busan Autonomous Bus Late-night Service
The city of Busan is launching autonomous buses on the Naeseong to Jungdong BRT route to provide late-night passenger transport services.
This project aims to solve the issue of inadequate public transport during late-night hours and to expand the practical application of autonomous driving technology.
During the trial operation period, the service is provided free of charge, offering residents a variety of experiences.
This late-night passenger transport service is an expansion phase based on the success of the daytime autonomous bus operation previously conducted in the Osiria section. The city of Busan intends to analyze the driving data collected during this trial operation to gradually review plans for extending operational hours and adding new routes.
Overview of Naeseong to Jungdong BRT Autonomous Bus Operation
The newly introduced autonomous bus will operate from 11:30 PM to 3:30 AM the following day during weekdays. Operations will be suspended on the first Friday of each month, and if that Friday is a holiday, operations will then be suspended the following week on Friday.
The main operating conditions for the late-night autonomous bus are as follows:
The duration of operation is from January 26, 2026, to June 30, 2026, with operating hours from 11:30 PM to 3:30 AM the following day on weekdays. Operations will be suspended on the first Friday of each month, and if a holiday falls on Friday, the suspension will occur the following week.
During the trial operation period, the service is offered free of charge, and standard city bus fares will apply once the service is officially in operation.
Notably, the autonomous bus maintains a fixed schedule during late-night hours to provide convenience for citizens returning home.
Summary of Routes and Dispatch Intervals
An autonomous bus is operating that connects Haeundae and Dongnae. This route covers approximately 10.4 km from Dongnae Station to the Haeundae District Office intersection, taking about 1 hour for a one-way trip. It operates 4 one-way trips a day, or 2 round trips, with a dispatch interval of 60 minutes for one-way trips.
It maintains a regular interval during late-night hours to provide stable transport services. The autonomous bus utilizes existing BRT exclusive lanes to ensure a safe driving environment. This allows users to experience a convenient and reliable mode of transport.
Key Stops Configuration
The Naeseong to Jungdong BRT autonomous bus passes through key stops such as Haeundae District Office intersection, Bexco & Busan Museum of Art, Centum High School, Dongnae Market, and Dongnae Station/Naeseong intersection. Both directions to Haeundae and Dongnae utilize the same stop system, enhancing user convenience.
During the trial operation period, passengers can freely board without prior reservations.
Main stops include Haeundae District Office intersection, Haeundae Subway Station, Bexco & Busan Museum of Art, Centum High School, Donghae Line Centum Station, Dongnae Market, Suan Station/Dongnae intersection, and Dongnae Station/Naeseong intersection. This uniform stop system for both directions allows for reduced congestion and increased convenience for passengers.
Boarding Conditions and Safety Management Standards
Safety standards have been further strengthened, reflecting the characteristics of late-night operations.
The maximum number of passengers is limited to 15, and standing is completely prohibited. Seatbelts must be worn in all seats, and safety personnel will accompany the bus throughout all segments of the journey.
Thorough inspections will be conducted before, during, and after operations, and emergency response manuals will always be in effect for unexpected situations.
Autonomous Driving Technology Verification and Expansion Plans
The city of Busan recently evaluated the effectiveness of various technical elements through preliminary trial operations.
Key verification items included intersection safety through vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, driving using precise maps, and lane-keeping stability. Furthermore, the suitability of the BRT exclusive lanes for actual public transport environments was also examined.
Additionally, the ability to respond to unexpected situations and the reliability of the system were also significant evaluation factors. Going forward, Busan plans to increase operational hours and gradually expand routes based on the collected driving data.
Significance of Busan's Late-night Autonomous Bus
The late-night service of the BRT autonomous bus operating in the Naeseong to Jungdong area holds three significant values. First, it provides a new experience for citizens through a free trial operation. Second, it aims to secure users' trust through safety-centered operations. Finally, it seeks to present a new transport model through empirical evidence of future transport.
This service provides citizens with various options for late-night travel, and the city of Busan will serve as an important testing ground for the dissemination of autonomous public transport.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When does the Busan Naeseong to Jungdong BRT autonomous bus late-night service start?
It will operate from January 26, 2026, to June 30, 2026, during late-night hours.
The autonomous bus late-night service in the Naeseong to Jungdong BRT section of Busan will operate from January 26, 2026, to June 30, 2026. It will run from 11:30 PM to 3:30 AM the following day on weekdays, with service suspended on the first Friday of each month and on Fridays that fall on holidays. This trial period will be offered for free so that citizens can experience it.
Q. What are the route and dispatch intervals for the autonomous bus?
It operates the route between Dongnae Station and Haeundae District Office intersection, approximately 10.4 km, with a 60-minute interval for one-way trips and 4 trips a day in total.
The autonomous bus operates along the approximately 10.4 km route from Dongnae Station through Naeseong intersection to Haeundae District Office intersection. It takes about 1 hour to travel one way, with 4 one-way trips each day, totaling 2 round trips. It maintains a 60-minute dispatch interval even during late-night hours, thereby providing stable and regular transport services.
Q. What are the boarding conditions and safety standards for the late-night autonomous bus?
It allows a maximum of 15 passengers, prohibits standing, requires mandatory seat belt use, and includes safety personnel throughout the journey.
Considering the characteristics of late-night operations, the maximum boarding capacity is limited to 15 people, and standing is prohibited. All passengers must wear seat belts, and safety personnel will accompany the bus throughout the entire journey. There will also be thorough inspections before, during, and after operations, and manuals for responding to unexpected situations will always be enforced.
Q. What is the fare policy for this autonomous bus late-night service?
It is free during the trial operation period, and regular city bus fares will apply once it is officially operational.
The city of Busan offers the late-night autonomous bus service for free during the trial operation period, allowing citizens to directly experience the technology. Regular city bus fares will be charged once the official operation begins.
Q. What does the Busan autonomous bus signify and what are the future plans?
It is a pilot project aiming to present a future transport model and expand late-night public transportation, with plans to gradually increase operations based on collected data.
The Busan Naeseong to Jungdong BRT autonomous bus late-night service holds three significant values: a free experience, safety-centered operations, and empirical evidence of future transportation. It broadens late-night travel options for citizens and serves as an important experimental stage for spreading autonomous public transport. Busan will initiate plans for extending operation hours and adding routes based on analysis of the driving data collected.
