Busan City Selects New Operator for Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus... 9 Buses Deployed on Haeundae and Seomyeon Routes
In July, the Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus service was suspended, but operations are planned to resume in the first half of 2025.
The previous operator ceased operations due to continuous losses, but Busan succeeded in selecting a new operator while supporting operational subsidies.
Therefore, the transportation service between Gimhae Airport and Busan is expected to be revitalized.
Efforts to Resume Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus Service
Busan announced on the 14th that it has selected Gyeongnam Express New Busan Tourism as the new operator for the Gimhae Airport limousine service. This company received a favorable evaluation in the recent review of the Gimhae Airport limousine bus transportation business.
Currently, Gyeongnam Express New Busan Tourism has ordered 10 limousine buses and is waiting for them to be delivered. This service is expected to resume operations in the first half of this year, with the main routes decided to be Haeundae and Seomyeon. 6 buses will be deployed on Haeundae route and 3 on Seomyeon route, with an additional bus to be operated as a reserve.
Changes in Gimhae Airport Limousine Routes and Fares
The city is currently considering options to change specific bus stops based on the existing routes.
The Haeundae route currently connects Gimhae Airport to Gwangan Station on Busan Metro Line 2, leading to Haeundae Beach and Yangwoon Elementary School.
The fare is the same for both adults and youths at 10,000 won.
The existing Seomyeon route started from Gimhae Airport and passed through Seomyeon and Busan Station, continuing to Nampo-dong and Jagalchi. However, the new route will shorten the distance to Seomyeon.
Busan is considering a fare increase in light of the previous operator's bankruptcy due to losses. The possibility of route adjustments is also being kept open.
Busan City Decides to Provide Operational Subsidies
Despite two calls for applicants, no applicants appeared for the Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus project, which was assessed to have very low viability.
The first call for new operators was conducted in October 2024, but no companies applied, while the second call in January 2025 only received a single application from Gyeongnam Express New Busan Tourism.
To attract new operators, Busan has allocated 490 million won in operational subsidies this year. This subsidy is provided to cover losses up to 490 million won, enabling the selection of an operator. Without the city's financial support, operating the Gimhae Airport limousine bus is virtually impossible, making this support crucial for the project.
Causes of the Suspension of Gimhae Airport Limousine Operations
The company that operated the Gimhae Airport Limousine service, Taeyoung Airport Limousine, ended its business in July 2024 due to continuous losses.
There are several primary reasons. First, the opening of the Busan Gimhae Light Rail reduced the demand for limousines. Second, the increase in private car usage and the decrease in airport parking fees also impacted demand. Third, the recovery of air travel demand has been delayed after COVID-19. Finally, the average number of passengers per limousine is only 6.
In this low-profit structure, it has become apparent that private operators cannot independently operate without city support.
Alternative Transportation and Future Plans
Following the suspension of the Gimhae Airport limousine service, the city immediately began operating the high-speed express bus number 2029 connecting the city center. However, this alternative transportation has been criticized for lacking the convenience of the limousine bus.
Busan City plans to resume the Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus in the first half of 2025, which will be financed through the city's financial support. However, in order to ensure ongoing operations, additional financial support and measures to expand demand are essential. There is increasing interest in how fare policies and operational methods will be adjusted in the future.
A city transportation official stated, "We are in consultation with the operator regarding bus stop locations and fares," and added, "We are aiming for the prompt resumption of the Gimhae Airport Limousine."
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