SEOUL – The Seoul Metropolitan Government officially launched its first regular autonomous shuttle service, the Cheonggye A01, on September 23. The new service marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a vehicle without a driver's seat or steering wheel has operated on the city's public roads.

The shuttle runs on a 4.8-kilometer round-trip route that circulates between Cheonggye Plaza, Cheonggye 3-ga, and Cheonggye 5-ga. With a total of 11 stops, the service operates on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m., with a new shuttle departing every 30 minutes for a total of 11 trips daily.

The Cheonggye A01 utilizes autonomous driving technology developed by the local company Autonomous A2Z. The vehicle's interior is equipped with a display that provides real-time information on its autonomous status and route details, and it also features a wheelchair lift to ensure accessibility for all passengers.

Currently, rides on the shuttle are free of charge and will remain so until the second half of 2026. When fares are eventually introduced, passengers will be able to board by tapping a standard transit card, similar to regular city buses. The service will also be compatible with the Climate Companion Card for unlimited rides and will offer the standard metropolitan area transfer discount.

Yeo Jang-kwon, Director of Seoul's Transportation Bureau, said the city aims to continue introducing advanced autonomous services to bolster the global competitiveness of South Korea's homegrown technology.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]