Free Trial Operation Begins for 'Maryong e-Bus' Running Through Downtown Iksan

Expansion of Autonomous Driving Demonstration Projects by Local Governments in Korea

Iksan City in Jeonbuk is introducing autonomous public transportation services as it embarks on building a next-generation transportation system. With the launch of the first autonomous electric bus connecting the terminal, Iksan Station, and Wonkwang University, citizens can use the service free of charge during the pilot operation period.

Iksan City in Jeonbuk began the pilot operation of the 'Maryong e-Bus,' an eco-friendly electric low-floor autonomous bus that drives itself through major urban locations, on the 28th. Provided by Iksan City Hall

On July 28, Iksan City held an opening ceremony for the eco-friendly electric low-floor autonomous bus, the 'Maryong e-Bus,' and began pilot operation on the first urban route.

The ceremony was attended by Jeongho Choi, Mayor of Iksan; Choongyoung Kim, Chair of the Iksan City Council; officials from the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province transportation policy department; and representatives from the Automotive Convergence Technology Institute. The participants boarded the bus on Route 1, departing from the terminal, stopping at Iksan Station and Wonkwang University, and returning to the terminal, directly experiencing the vehicle's driving performance and safety.

The Maryong e-Bus is an eco-friendly electric low-floor bus equipped with radar sensors and an autonomous driving system. During the pilot period, the bus is free for all citizens to use, and Iksan City plans to review operational stability and service quality throughout the process.

Iksan City is also working to establish a next-generation intelligent transportation system (C-ITS) to ensure the safe operation of autonomous buses.

The plan is to create a traffic environment that enhances autonomous driving safety by enabling real-time exchange of traffic information between vehicles and road infrastructure, such as the remaining time on traffic lights, and by sharing information about unexpected situations ahead on the road.

Starting with the current Route 1, the city will gradually expand the autonomous bus routes. By 2028, additional routes connecting Baesan Sports Park, Iksan Station, and Jeonbuk National University Iksan Campus will be added, establishing an autonomous transportation network that encompasses university areas as well as cultural and sports facilities.

Recently, local governments across Korea have been pushing forward demonstration projects to integrate autonomous driving technologies into public transportation. In areas such as Sangam in Seoul, Sejong, Jeju, and Gunsan, autonomous shuttles and buses are being piloted to verify their suitability for real-world transportation services.

Iksan City also plans to use the Maryong e-Bus operation as a stepping stone to further expand its smart transportation infrastructure, providing an environment where citizens can experience autonomous driving services in everyday life.

Mayor Jeongho Choi stated, "The operation of the Maryong e-Bus marks the starting point for the transformation of Iksan's future transportation system," adding, "We will do our utmost in operation management and safety checks to ensure citizens can use autonomous driving services safely and conveniently."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.