The cumulative number of passengers using the Hangang Bus has surpassed 500,000.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that as of yesterday (August 13), the cumulative number of Hangang Bus passengers recorded 501,430.

The Hangang Bus, which officially began operations on September 18 of last year, experienced various twists and turns early on, including a bottom-grounding incident in November of last year.

For about half a year until February of this year—before full-route operations resumed—the cumulative number of users stood at only around 100,000.

However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that with the resumption of full-route operations on March 1 and the stabilization of services, passenger numbers steadily increased, ultimately breaking the 500,000 mark in cumulative passengers 11 months after official launch.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, demand for the Hangang Bus was concentrated on weekends.

Among the cumulative passengers, Saturday and Sunday users accounted for approximately 49% with 243,509 people.

By pier, Yeouido Pier saw the highest number of boardings with 177,893 people, followed by Jamsil (69,227 people), Magok (66,818 people), and Ttukseom (58,526 people).

Satisfaction among citizens who used the Hangang Bus was also high.

In a survey conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government from June 29 to July 5 targeting 3,569 Hangang Bus users, 93% of respondents answered that they intend to use the Hangang Bus again in the future.

The response expressing a willingness to recommend the Hangang Bus to acquaintances reached 95%.

(Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)