Seoul Buses

Seoul Buses are public transit buses operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Bus type

Type of buses

There are four types of buses:

* Trunk Bus (Blue) : This type of buses will operate at higher speeds and access the median bus lane connecting suburban areas to downtown Seoul. The city government is partly in charge of its operation. The city has taken full consideration to introduce 3 kinds of buses belonging to the Blue Bus category: articulated bus, CNG (compressed natural gas) bus with a low floor, and regular large-sized CNG bus. The blue color represents Seoul's skyline and Hangang (River) to symbolize security and freedom.
* Branch Bus (Green) : Green bus will be flexibly operated by private bus companies, to connect major subway stations or bus terminals outside downtown Seoul. It is similar with the city bus and the community shuttle bus currently in operation. Green stands for the mountains surrounding the city.
* Rapid Bus (Red) : The red buses will be express buses designed specially for those commuting between downtown Seoul and the metropolitan area. The color red exudes energy of speed.
* Circulation Bus (Yellow) : This bus will circle downtown Seoul and stop at stations for blue buses and major railway stations, as well as business, tourist and shopping areas. Yellow was selected for its dynamic and friendly image.

Route numbers specify area divisions. For Trunk and Branch Bus, the first digit indicates the area where the route begins, and the second digit indicates where the route ends. For Rapid Bus, the first digit is always 9, and the second indicates the area in which the route begins. The first digit of Circulation Bus indicates the area in which the bus circles. Route number which start with 8 indicates holiday/rush-hour only branch buses. For all lines, any remaining numbers are individual routes.

Bus area

With the improvement of its public transportation system, Seoul introduced new bus numbering system, including area numbers in order to facilitate recognition of route outlines.


*Area 0 : Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Yongsan-gu
*Area 1 : Dobong-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Nowon-gu. (also Uijeongbu, Yangju)
*Area 2 : Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu, Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu. (also Guri, Namyangju)
*Area 3 : Gangdong-gu, Songpa-gu. (also Hanam, Gwangju (Gyeonggi Province))
*Area 4 : Seocho-gu, Gangnam-gu. (also Seongnam, Yongin)
*Area 5 : Dongjak-gu, Gwanak-gu, Geumcheon-gu. (also Anyang, Gwacheon, Uiwang, Ansan, Gunpo, Suwon)
*Area 6 : Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Guro-gu. (also Incheon, Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Gimpo, Siheung)
*Area 7 : Eunpyeong-gu, Mapo-gu, Seodaemun-gu. (also Goyang, Paju)

Fares

The system uses cash or Transportation Cards. Rates vary depending on which route is taken. The tables below show basic fare for each type of bus.

These is a basic fare for the first 10 km. 100 won is added for each additional 5 km. Bus-Bus and Bus-Metro transfer are free of charge except added distance fare. Only transportation card holders get free transferring.

Vehicles

Most buses in South Korea are domestic models and made by two manufacturers. Buses use either diesel or compressed natural gas.

A list of buses used in Seoul:

* Daewoo Bus BH115E, BH116 and 120H (Diesel/CNG) - For Rapid, Trunk buses.
* Daewoo Bus BS090 (Diesel/CNG) - For Branch, Circulation buses.
* Daewoo Bus BS106 (Diesel/CNG) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Daewoo Bus BS106L (Diesel) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Daewoo Bus BS110CN/120CN Non-step low rider (CNG) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Hyundai Aero City 540L/SL (Diesel) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Hyundai Super Aero City (Diesel) - with 21, 38 or 45 seats. For Rapid, Trunk, Branch buses.
* Hyundai New Super Aero City (Diesel/CNG) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Hyundai New Super Aero City Non-step Low Rider (CNG) - For Trunk, Branch buses.
* Hyundai Chorus, e-Aerotown, Global 900 (Diesel) - For Branch buses.
* Kia Motors/Asia Motors Cosmos, New Cosmos (Diesel) - For Branch buses.
* Iveco CityClass (18m) - For Trunk buses.

ee also

* Seoul
* Seoul Subway
* T-money : Transportation Card System
* Upass (South Korea) : Transportation Card System
* Transportation in Bundang

References

* [http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Information/Trans/seoul-trans.cfm Seoul Transportation - English only]
* [http://english.seoul.go.kr/residents/transport/trans_05bus_01.html English bus route guide in Seoul (ActiveX used)]

External links

* [http://www.bus.seoul.co.kr Seoul Bus homepage]