Seoul's commuter ferries mark one year, 600,000 passengers
When the Hangang Bus launched last September, skeptics questioned whether a fleet of ferries could transform into a legitimate leg of public transit in a city already serviced by one of the world's most extensive subway networks. One year in, municipal officials say the bold experiment is proving its worth on the water. More than 600,000 passengers have boarded the Hangang Bus since its inaugural…
One year after its launch, Seoul's commuter ferries known as Hangang Bus have marked a significant milestone by transporting over 600,000 passengers, according to data released by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The service initially faced skepticism from skeptics who questioned whether ferries could become a viable mode of public transportation in a city already well-served by an extensive subway network.
However, the Hangang Bus has proven its worth, particularly in spring, following initial operational tweaks and safety enhancements. From March 1 onward, nearly 500,000 riders have utilized the ferries, with peak usage reaching over 89,000 passengers in August. This surge in ridership indicated a preference for the riverfront commute over crowded train cars and congested highway bridges.
More importantly, the reliability of the service has improved significantly, with an on-time performance rate of 99.3 percent in July, up from 97.7 percent in March. This increase can be attributed to the growing operational experience of vessel crews and terminal staff working along the urban waterway.
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- Seoul's commuter ferries mark one year, 600,000 passengers koreatimes.co.kr
