Seoul’s new congestion alert service, which comes in the form of bus information systems, a desktop website (http://bus.go.kr) and a mobile app called SeoulBus, tells public transport passengers how crowded their next bus will be, using three different stages including, “relaxed”, “normal”, and “busy”. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 22 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul has launched a revolutionary new online service today that informs passengers about how congested their bus will be before they get on.
Seoul’s new congestion alert service, which comes in the form of bus information systems, a desktop website (http://bus.go.kr) and a mobile app called SeoulBus, tells public transport passengers how crowded their next bus will be, using three different stages including, “relaxed”, “normal”, and “busy”.
“Relaxed” will mean there are seats available, and will appear in green, while ‘normal’ will refer to buses with one passenger holding a handle with enough space around them, which will be associated with yellow.
“Busy”, which will appear in red, means the bus is either a little crowded or jam-packed.
The bus congestion alert system will operate based on information gathered from transportation card readers, which can count the number of passengers who get on and off a bus in real time.
However, a margin of error is expected considering some passengers use cash or forget to swipe before getting off the bus.
Both the blue and green buses that operate within Seoul city limits will first adopt the system, while further plans are being considered to introduce a similar information system for red buses, which travel to other municipalities.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government expects that its latest project to inform passengers will provide a much smoother commuting experience and help mores buses run on time.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
