The government plans to double the exclusive lanes for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by 2030 and increase bus speeds by approximately 20% to enhance the competitiveness of regional public transportation.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Metropolitan Transport Committee announced on July 29 that it has finalized and published the 'Second Comprehensive BRT Plan (2026-2030).'
The BRT comprehensive plan is a statutory plan established every five years to create an efficient BRT system. This plan outlines the policy direction and initiatives for the next five years under the vision of 'Connecting the daily lives of citizens more closely and conveniently with BRT.'
The committee aims to expand the nationwide BRT exclusive lanes from the current 351 kilometers to 707 kilometers by 2030. As a result, the average bus speed is expected to increase from 21 kilometers per hour to 25 kilometers per hour.
The government is also promoting a transition to an eco-friendly transportation system. The proportion of hydrogen and electric buses will increase from the current 26% to 50%, and the number of autonomous BRT routes will rise from six to 18.
To achieve this, the government plans to invest a total of 1.6 trillion won by 2030 to establish 38 BRT routes nationwide, with 530 billion won coming from the national budget.
In particular, to address transportation disparities between regions, the investment ratio for local areas has been increased. Of the national budget, 407.6 billion won (77%) will be allocated to local areas, while 120.5 billion won (23%) will go to the metropolitan area.
Additionally, the government plans to create an integrated transportation system centered on transfers by connecting BRT with major transportation hubs such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Existing urban BRT routes will be linked to adjacent cities to enhance regional mobility.
Improvements in transportation accessibility for vulnerable populations will also be pursued. The government aims to create a user-friendly BRT environment through the standardization of barrier-free bus stops, minimizing height differences between platforms and vehicles, expanding low-floor buses, and enhancing AI-based operation and control systems.
Kim Yong-seok, chair of the Metropolitan Transport Committee, stated, "The Second Comprehensive BRT Plan is not just about expanding bus infrastructure; it is a key pillar of the metropolitan transportation network connecting five major regions and three special zones. We will enhance inter-regional connectivity and major transfer systems to create a transportation environment where citizens can move more quickly and conveniently."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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