DRT, a forward-thinking public transportation service, amalgamates the strengths of conventional buses and taxis. Commuters can now summon a bus at their preferred time, facilitating seamless travel to their chosen destination. (Image courtesy of KORAIL/Busan City)
BUSAN, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Introducing a novel mode of transportation, Busan has unveiled a demand-responsive transit (DRT) bus designed to function like a taxi service.
This innovative transit solution, dubbed TABARA, blending the convenience of city buses and the flexibility of taxis, will be introduced with an opening ceremony scheduled for September 1 at Osiria Station on the Donghae Line in Gijang-gun.
DRT, a forward-thinking public transportation service, amalgamates the strengths of conventional buses and taxis. Commuters can now summon a bus at their preferred time, facilitating seamless travel to their chosen destination. Notably, the fare structure allows passengers to experience the convenience of on-demand travel, akin to using a taxi service.
Operating based on user demand, the DRT service generates cost savings, fostering a mutually beneficial scenario for both passengers and service providers. This approach has proven particularly effective in areas characterized by limited public transportation needs, such as tourist attractions and rural locales.
Embodying the essence of “Just Hop In” in Busan’s historic dialect, the term “TABARA” symbolizes the essence of this new DRT service tailored for tourism. The scope of its operations encompasses the Osiria Tourist Complex in Gijang-gun, encompassing 15 strategically located stops.
Notable destinations include Osiria Station, the Osiria Tourist Complex, Orangdae Park, and Gongsu Village. This service aims to bridge transportation gaps in areas with underdeveloped public transit infrastructure, catering to both local residents and visitors. Five 15-seater buses will be in operation to accommodate passengers.
Travelers can seamlessly engage with the TABARA service through a dedicated mobile application. This user-friendly app empowers passengers to choose a bus stop in proximity to their current location and another close to their intended destination, thereby facilitating swift boarding. The system also permits individual passengers to request bus pickups.
Given its emphasis on tourism, the city is poised to launch a specialized app catering to foreign tourists in the upcoming month. This app will serve as a comprehensive resource, offering sightseeing information and updates on festivals for both domestic and international visitors.
The city’s strategic plan involves a year-long trial run of the TABARA service to gauge its performance before considering its expansion to other areas grappling with transportation challenges. Additionally, recognizing the needs of the elderly population, the city is exploring the possibility of implementing a dedicated phone call service for TABARA reservations.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
