Ulsan Launches Autonomous 'Whale Bus' Service on Jan. 29

Ulsan will begin pilot operations of autonomous "Whale Buses" and an app-based on-demand "Ulsan Masil Whale Bus" service on January 29, the city government announced on the 18th.

The autonomous Whale Bus pilot route runs from the Cheokgwa-Banyong terminal through Daun District 2, Jongga-ro, Sangbang intersection, and Ulsan Airport. The app-based Masil Whale Bus will expand its coverage to include the Seongan-dong area.

The project is part of the "Hub-type Smart City Development Project," a public competition initiative by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The autonomous Whale Buses will operate in two configurations: "Type A," a standard city bus format, and "Type B," a shuttle with no driver's seat. Safety drivers will be on board to prevent accidents, and manual driving will be engaged in special zones such as school zones. The service will be free during the pilot period (transit card tap required) and is scheduled to become paid service in the first half of 2026.

The Ulsan Masil Whale Bus is a demand-responsive transit (DRT) service where users input their origin and destination via an app, and the system generates real-time optimal routes. Operating without fixed routes, the buses come when passengers call, offering an alternative to long intervals between conventional public transit services. Fares are the same as city buses, and transfer benefits apply.

Ahead of the official pilot launch, Ulsan will operate a "Citizen Experience Program" from January 22 to 24. Citizens interested in autonomous driving technology can apply through the Ulsan city website starting the 18th.

"This pilot operation will be an important milestone in solidifying Ulsan's status as an AI capital," Ulsan Mayor Kim Du-gyeom said. "We will combine autonomous driving and demand-responsive transportation systems to provide citizens with safer and more efficient mobility services."