The Inje County government will pilot an on-demand artificial intelligence (AI) bus service in Sangnam-myeon starting at the end of this month. This initiative aims to assist residents in transportation-deficient areas, such as Sangnam 2-ri, with access to medical appointments and grocery shopping.
According to Inje County, there are 12 transportation-vulnerable areas in Sangnam-myeon, home to 632 residents. As of the end of September, this represents approximately 31% of the total population of 2,010 in the district. Sangnam 2-ri has no bus service, while Sangnam 3-ri and Sangnam 4-ri have fewer than four bus runs per day. There are also no taxi services operating in Sangnam-myeon.
The county will utilize one existing 'Sky-Delivered Village Bus.' It will maintain a fixed route from 7 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and operate throughout the district from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. based on resident requests. Currently, this vehicle runs 10 times a day across three routes: Misani, Hanam, and Sangnam.
Residents can request the vehicle via phone or the mobile app 'Shuckle.' The AI will create routes based on passengers' starting points and destinations, allowing those traveling in similar directions to share rides. Phone users will need to register once and can receive text updates on estimated arrival times by providing their stop number or nearby building name. The county plans to visit community centers to guide residents on registration and usage before the launch.
Among the residents of Sangnam-myeon, 703 individuals, or about 35%, are aged 65 and older. The phone request option will enable older adults who may struggle with smartphone apps to access the service. By maintaining a regular morning schedule and expanding service to less frequently served areas during the day, the initiative aims to alleviate the inconvenience of residents having to align their medical appointments or shopping trips with bus schedules.
This pilot program is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' 'Rapid Commercialization Support Project for AI Applications,' aimed at demonstrating rural transportation solutions. Since 2018, the ministry has been providing transportation services to vulnerable rural communities. This initiative will test service models tailored to resident demand and local conditions in five areas, including Sangnam-myeon in Inje, Baekgok-myeon in Jincheon, Sochoen-myeon in Bonghwa, Burim-myeon in Uiryeong, and Hwacheon-myeon in Hadong.
Fares will be free for those aged 65 and older. General users will pay 900 won with a transportation card or 1,000 won in cash. Starting in January, Inje County plans to implement a policy making all rides free for all users.
As the service will operate with just one vehicle across the entire district, wait times during peak request periods will be a key measure of its effectiveness. The county intends to analyze usage demand, wait times, and operational efficiency during the pilot phase to consider adding an additional vehicle next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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