Gangneung Launches Late-Night Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transport Service
Autonomous vehicles will bridge public transit gaps during late-night hours in Gangneung.
1New Autonomous Night Service
Gangneung City is launching a late-night demand-responsive autonomous transport service starting November 6. This initiative aims to address mobility gaps for residents and visitors when traditional public transportation ceases operations. The project was selected under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s autonomous vehicle pilot service support program earlier this year.
2Technical Infrastructure and Safety
The project utilizes a total budget of 600 million won to implement these specialized night services. Each vehicle is equipped with advanced LiDAR, cameras, and sensors to navigate complex night road environments safely. Furthermore, professional safety drivers remain on board to manage any unexpected situations, ensuring compliance with strict legal safety standards.
3Operational Routes and Coverage
The service operates within a 27.3-kilometer radius, covering key transit hubs including Gangneung Station, the bus terminal, Gyodong district, and Anmok Beach. By utilizing a demand-responsive transport model, the vehicles provide flexible routing based on real-time passenger requests, effectively connecting major points of interest throughout the city during the night.
4Service Hours and Capacity
The autonomous vehicles will operate daily from 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM the following morning. Each vehicle has a maximum capacity of four passengers per trip. Currently, the city is offering this service free of charge to encourage adoption and provide accessible transit options during these underserved late-night hours.
5User Access and Booking
Passengers can request rides using the dedicated 'Shucle' mobile application by setting their desired departure and arrival points at designated stops. For those unable to use the mobile app, the city has established a telephone call center to facilitate vehicle requests, ensuring that the service remains inclusive for all demographic groups.
6Previous Testing and Experience
This service builds upon previous technical demonstrations conducted during the 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress held in October. During that event, 684 participants successfully experienced the autonomous driving technology firsthand. This prior testing phase provided the city with essential operational insights that were instrumental in scaling the service to late-night hours.
7Strategic Expansion of Mobility
City officials emphasize that this expansion leverages existing operational know-how from previous tourist-focused autonomous vehicle projects. By transitioning these capabilities into a late-night public utility, Gangneung aims to optimize its urban transit infrastructure. This strategic shift highlights the city's commitment to integrating advanced technology into daily public service delivery models.
8Future Implications for Transit
The success of this pilot will likely influence how mid-sized cities manage late-night transit demands without increasing traditional bus fleet costs. By utilizing demand-responsive autonomous systems, Gangneung is testing a scalable solution for urban mobility. Observers will monitor how effectively these vehicles handle real-world night traffic variables over the coming months.