Brisbane’s water transportation system known as the CityCat, (Image courtesy of Yonahap)
BRISBANE, Aug. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – On a brisk Monday morning at Brisbane’s Riverside terminal, a sleek CityCat ferry glides into the dock. As the vessel secures to the pier, office workers in suits disembark with the efficiency of a well-rehearsed routine. The scene reflects a transportation model that has become both a practical commuter service and a local point of pride.
The CityCat—Brisbane’s high-speed river ferry system—has operated along the 20-kilometer Brisbane River corridor for nearly 30 years and is now serving as a model for Seoul’s forthcoming Han River Bus, scheduled to begin operations in September.
CityCat’s strengths lie in its punctuality, streamlined boarding process, and seamless integration into the city’s Central Business District. The ferry’s catamaran design minimizes water resistance, allowing for quick docking maneuvers and energy efficiency. With 22 terminals, seven active routes, and 10–15-minute intervals on weekdays, CityCat is praised for its reliability despite minor limitations, such as limited routes and moderate noise.
Seoul city officials and executives from Han River Bus Co. and its major stakeholder, Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH), visited Brisbane last week to observe CityCat operations first-hand. Their goal: to gather insights for refining Seoul’s new 31.5-kilometer Han River Bus service, which will connect Magok to Jamsil via seven piers.
Unlike Brisbane, Seoul faces unique geographic and climatic challenges. The Han River’s shallow depth, faster currents, and denser bridge infrastructure complicate operations. Additionally, harsh seasonal weather—ranging from monsoons and typhoons to winter ice—poses safety risks that Brisbane’s milder, more predictable climate largely avoids.
Accessibility is another hurdle. While CityCat piers are nestled within walkable urban centers, many of Seoul’s riverfront areas are buffered by expressways and parks, making pedestrian access to piers more difficult. To address this, Seoul is integrating eight new or revised city and village bus routes to improve connectivity to major Han River Bus terminals.
Still, CityCat’s appeal goes beyond commuter functionality. It has become a beloved leisure activity for tourists and families, thanks in part to scenic riverside developments and onboard open-air seating that enhances the travel experience. Seoul officials hope to replicate that success by transforming the Han River Bus into a dual-purpose service—efficient for commuters, yet inviting for visitors.
Passenger comfort also varies. While CityCat ferries are nimble and well-designed for quick turnover, Seoul’s ferries will offer larger capacity (up to 199 passengers) and superior onboard amenities such as air conditioning.
CityCat’s stable year-round operation, supported by seasoned maintenance protocols, impressed Seoul’s delegation. “This visit provided valuable insight into the technical and operational know-how built over three decades,” said Hwang Gap-bok, head of SH’s Han River project team. “We’re committed to ensuring that Han River Bus is operated safely, comfortably, and sustainably for the citizens of Seoul.”
As Seoul prepares to launch its ambitious water transit experiment, the lessons from Brisbane may prove to be the difference between novelty and necessity.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
