Busan rolled out its first self-driving bus service Thursday during a big ceremony at Osiria Station. Mayor Park Heong-joon told crowds that people are entering an AI-based transportation era with their daily travel. Four robot buses with 15 passenger seats each will start test runs next month around the Osiria tourism area. The public gets to ride these futuristic vehicles starting in September. City officials and reporters took test rides during the launch event.
The buses pack Level 3 self-driving technology that lets them cruise along highways and special routes without human help. Drivers still sit behind the wheel ready to jump in during emergencies or tricky situations. These smart vehicles will cruise along six different roads covering 4.75 kilometers inside the tourism complex. The buses will mix with regular cars and trucks since they do not get special lanes. The Osiria area spans 3.66 square kilometers and features hotels, shopping centers and theme parks.
The robot buses will share busy streets with everyday traffic as they transport tourists around the massive entertainment district. Busan officials built the complex in Gijang-gun to attract visitors from across the region. City planners want to expand the self-driving bus routes next year to include popular Haeundae beach areas. The expansion will bring robot transportation to one of the most visited tourist spots in the entire city. Busan hopes the high-tech buses will become a major attraction for tech-loving travelers.
The buses pack Level 3 self-driving technology that lets them cruise along highways and special routes without human help. Drivers still sit behind the wheel ready to jump in during emergencies or tricky situations. These smart vehicles will cruise along six different roads covering 4.75 kilometers inside the tourism complex. The buses will mix with regular cars and trucks since they do not get special lanes. The Osiria area spans 3.66 square kilometers and features hotels, shopping centers and theme parks.
The robot buses will share busy streets with everyday traffic as they transport tourists around the massive entertainment district. Busan officials built the complex in Gijang-gun to attract visitors from across the region. City planners want to expand the self-driving bus routes next year to include popular Haeundae beach areas. The expansion will bring robot transportation to one of the most visited tourist spots in the entire city. Busan hopes the high-tech buses will become a major attraction for tech-loving travelers.
