Route 1004 autonomous bus to run free from Monday through Jan. 11
South Chungcheong Province is launching a pilot program to test autonomous driving technology on an actual public transit route, aiming to verify whether self-driving vehicles can serve as everyday transportation and to gather real-world operating data.
The province announced Thursday that it will operate the "Autonomous Route 1004" circular bus from Monday through Jan. 11 as part of its Naeposi New Town autonomous driving demonstration project. The service will be free of charge.
The bus will run four times a day on weekdays and will not operate on weekends or public holidays. The circular route departs from the entrance of Yongbongsan, passes through 15 stops — including the Naeposi New Town transit hub, the Sapgyo-eup community support center and Deoksan Middle and High School — and returns to Yongbongsan.
Scheduled departure times are 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., timed to accommodate student commutes. The bus will run between the existing intervals of circular routes 1001 and 1002 to improve convenience for riders.
The 12-seat autonomous bus incorporates driving stability improvements based on data and operational feedback gathered during last year's service. Standing passengers will not be permitted for safety reasons, and a trained test driver familiar with the autonomous driving system and vehicle controls will ride aboard at all times. The bus will not exceed posted speed limits.
The vehicle will switch to manual operation in school zones, hazardous areas, or adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. Arrival times at stops may vary depending on road conditions, and children under six must be accompanied by a guardian.
The province plans to use operating data collected on the live route to refine scheduling and routing. It also intends to launch a driverless autonomous late-night bus service next month, expanding the scope of its autonomous driving demonstration.
"Naeposi New Town is a designated autonomous driving pilot zone where residents can experience the future of mobility firsthand," a provincial official said. "Through the Autonomous Route 1004 service, we will do our utmost to give residents the opportunity to experience autonomous driving in their daily lives, build broader public acceptance of the technology, and ensure safe operations."
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