▲ Autonomous BRT
Incheon City has reflected artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the operation of autonomous test-bed districts in Yeongjong and Songdo into next year's budget, fully launching the introduction of futuristic public transportation services.
The city plans to gradually expand autonomous driving services by utilizing BRT center lanes and existing autonomous test-bed districts, thereby enhancing travel convenience during late-night hours and in areas with poor public transit access.
First, the city is pushing to introduce late-night autonomous buses on the 23.8 km BRT section between Cheongna and Gangseo.
To this end, the city plans to initially introduce one autonomous bus in 2027 and invest a total project cost of 5 billion won by 2030 to add one more bus each year.
In addition, the city plans to review the introduction of driverless and remote-controlled autonomous driving in the future.
Along with this, a total project cost of 5.2 billion won will be invested in the Yeongjong and Songdo autonomous test-bed districts from next year through 2030 to operate autonomous shuttles tailored to local characteristics.
In the Yeongjong district, which has poor public transit conditions, autonomous shuttle buses will be introduced on the 9.7 km section from Haneul City to Unseo Station during commuting hours.
In the Songdo district, a tourism-connected autonomous shuttle will be operated on the 3.7 km section around Central Park to enhance travel convenience between MICE facilities such as Songdo Convensia, hotels, and tourism hubs.
Having established the systems and infrastructure to drive autonomous transportation, Incheon City plans to accelerate the introduction of tangible services that citizens can directly experience, expanding into futuristic public transit services.
(Photo provided by Incheon City, Yonhap News)
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