First unmanned buses start running in South Korea

Following the driverless minibuses that started running in Seoul at the end of the fall, full-fledged driverless buses also appeared in South Korea. They carry passengers free of charge on a route of more than 20 kilometers.

Here's What We Know

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said that robotic buses appeared on the 22.4-kilometer Sejong-Cheongju route. They work together with regular buses and have their own route number. There is a lifeguard and a driver inside in case of an emergency.

Anyone can become a passenger. To do this it will be necessary to scan a QR code at the bus stop. At the moment it isn't necessary to pay for the ticket, however the ministry says that already in three months the trips will be paid.

Unmanned buses make six trips a day from Sejong Bus Terminal to Ozone Station in Cheongju City between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time. The unmanned buses can only be used from Monday through Friday. There are eight stops during the trip.

Source: Korea Times