Many cities in Korea are making efforts to encourage their residents to use public transit instead of personal vehicles. To achieve this, they have implemented diverse public transit innovations to provide convenience and efficiency, strategies which have attracted significant attention from the public. Here are some innovations that are making public transit more accessible in our daily lives.
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT): DRT is a transit system that does not have any fixed routes, stops, or schedules. The system flexibly adjusts these elements according to the demands of its users. It is a hybrid system that combines features of both buses and taxis. There are several significant advantages. It reduces traffic congestion and dependence on personal vehicles in large cities. Additionally, it improves mobility in underserved areas by integrating with existing local bus services. Gwangju is also planning to resume a currently suspended DRT tour bus.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): BRT is a transit system where express buses operate on advanced infrastructure, including bus-exclusive lanes and grade-separated intersections. After Changwon City launched its BRT system in May 2024, the daily number of city bus users increased by nine percent compared to the previous year. In addition, transit time on the same route was reduced from 32 minutes to 26. Anticipating similar results, Gwangju is developing a BRT project with a target opening date in 2031.
K-Pass & G-Pass: K-Pass is a public transit card that provides financial support to its users. It offers a fare rebate at the end of each month for cardholders who use public transit more than 15 times a month. Based on the K-Pass, Gwangju introduced the G-Pass in January, 2025. It provides 100 percent fare rebates for children under the age of 12, 50 percent for adolescents under the age of 18, and 30 percent for adults between 19 and 39 years old. It is valid on city buses, village buses, and Gwangju urban trains.
Climate Card & Go Seoul: “Go Seoul” is the first public transit integration brand created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The service includes four types of public transit—local buses, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, Seoul’s public bike system, and Hangang Bus—that can be accessed using the Climate Card. The Climate Card is a comprehensive transportation card that allows unlimited rides on public transportation for a selected period with a single charge. This system is expected to improve convenience and connectivity across public transit, which could attract more returning foreign tourists.
By Choi Ji-yoon, Reporter