Seoul Launches First Autonomous Community Bus in Dongjak District

The city of Seoul has announced the introduction of its first autonomous community bus, named ‘Local Companion Autonomous Bus,’ set to begin trial operations in the Dongjak District starting June 30. While autonomous buses have previously operated during late-night and early-morning hours, this marks the first time they will serve a community bus route.

The newly launched Dongjak Local Companion Autonomous Bus (Dongjak A01) will operate along a 1.62 km route from the main gate of Soongsil University to Soongsil University Station and then to the rear gate of Chung-Ang University. Two electric autonomous buses will transport passengers along this route.

Service hours are scheduled for weekdays from 10:00 AM to 4:10 PM, with 14 trips per day at intervals of 20 to 25 minutes. Operations will pause from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Previously, the late-night and early-morning autonomous buses were managed and operated by the city of Seoul. In contrast, the community autonomous buses will be directly managed by local districts to tailor operations to specific regional needs.

Seoul plans to cover the entire operating costs for the first year, and from the second year onward, it will evaluate passenger transport performance and operational distance to provide technological development subsidies based on local regulations.

After a trial period that includes test rides until July 11, the service will be open to the general public starting July 14. On this official launch date, real-time arrival information will also be available on bus information terminals.

Rides will be free until the first half of 2026, when a fare system will be implemented. However, passengers will need to tag their transportation cards upon boarding and alighting.

In September, additional routes for autonomous community buses will be introduced, connecting Janghanpyeong Station to Kyung Hee University Hospital and Gajwa Station to the Seodaemun District Office.

The city stated, “We will monitor citizen feedback and operational stability to gradually expand the service areas.”