Seoul's first "autonomous village bus" began its first official operation in the Dongjak District on the 14th. A 14-passenger vehicle operated by the autonomous mobility company SUM departed from Soongsil University's main gate at 10 a.m., heading to its next stop, Soongsil University Station.
A monitor installed on the bus ceiling broadcasted a live feed of the steering wheel moving on its own without human intervention. The village bus passed through steep uphill, downhill, and winding roads. Passenger Kim (55) remarked, "It's more stable than I expected and quite good. I'm satisfied."
◇Although a driver is seated in the driver's seat, their hands are on their knees… Only operating the bus door
The autonomous village bus "Dongjak A01" completed a two-week trial operation starting from the 30th of last month and began official service today. The route stretches 1.62 km one way, covering Soongsil University's main gate, Soongsil University Station on subway line 7, and the back gate of Chung-Ang University. The vehicle has been modified from the Hyundai "County Electric," commonly used as a village bus.
Even though it is an autonomous village bus, there was a driver seated in the driver's seat. Current laws require at least one safety manager to be on board, even for autonomous vehicles. However, the driver kept their hands on their knees instead of on the steering wheel. The driver's hands only moved when opening and closing the bus doors.
The bus operates 100% autonomously in sections where the law permits. However, in areas where manual operation is mandatory, such as children's protection zones, the driver had to hold the steering wheel. The bus driver noted, "The steering wheel, accelerator, and brake all operate on their own."
◇Smooth autonomous driving even on steep curves… Passengers say, "No difference from human driving"
On this day, the Dongjak A01 autonomous village bus departed from Soongsil University's main gate at 10 a.m. and arrived at its final stop, the back gate of Chung-Ang University, in 9 minutes. The section between Soongsil University Station and Sangdo SH Villa's back gate had a steep gradient of about 16 to 17 degrees, requiring sharp turns at some points.
However, the village bus reduced its speed in advance on downhill slopes to minimize shaking. If the autonomous steering had not been monitored, one would believe that a skilled bus driver was driving.
Most sections felt no different from a standard village bus. Choi (62), who was heading to take subway line 7, said, "I don't feel much difference compared to being driven by a person." Lee (24), a student at Chung-Ang University, commented, "The ride is stable and quite good," adding, "I live near the back gate of Chung-Ang University, and I've had discomfort finding a bus to Gangnam. I think I should use this bus often in the future."
The autonomous village bus in Dongjak District is currently not charging a fare, but plans to start fare collection in the first half of next year.
◇"Narrow roads may cause autonomous driving errors… Not operating during rush hours"
There were not many passengers on the autonomous village bus that day. The reporter took the bus three times over an hour and 20 minutes starting at 10 a.m. and there were a total of 5 passengers. The bus driver remarked, "Currently, Chung-Ang University and Soongsil University are on break. Passenger numbers will increase when classes resume in September."
The autonomous village bus operates only from 10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m., and does not run during peak commuting hours when passenger numbers are high.
A Dongjak District official stated, "The roads along the route are narrow and pass through hillside dwellings, which increases the likelihood of autonomous driving errors during busy commuting hours," adding, "Operating times have been set to avoid interference with resident vehicle passage." The expansion of operating hours will be reviewed slowly over time.
The autonomous village bus plans to begin operations in September in sections from Janghanpyeong Station in Dongdaemun District to Kyung Hee University Hospital, and from Gajwa Station in Seodaemun District to Seodaemun District Office.
Meanwhile, the Seoul city government has been operating autonomous city buses since December 2023, departing earlier at 3:30 a.m. than the first city bus.