South Gyeongsang Province launched its first fully public bus system in Uiryeong County, a region facing severe population decline, offering free rides to all residents and visitors.
The provincial government held an inauguration ceremony at Uiryeong Public Bus Terminal on the 27th, marking the official launch of the "Ppangppang Bus"—a name meaning "fare is zero, happiness is full."
Uiryeong County, with a population of just 25,000, faced the potential loss of bus routes as private operators struggled with chronic deficits. In a county with a high proportion of elderly residents, buses serve as virtually the only transportation to hospitals, markets, and the town center. Without bus service, seniors unable to drive or with mobility limitations would effectively be stranded.
In response, the province designated Uiryeong as a pilot site for full public operation in February 2023, investing 9.4 billion won over three years, split equally between provincial and county budgets. The government acquired the terminal building, vehicles, and all route licenses from private operators to establish direct public management.
This marks the first free public bus service in South Gyeongsang Province. Nationally, Jeongseon and Yanggu counties in Gangwon Province operate similar fare-free public systems, while Sinan County in South Jeolla Province and Wanju County in North Jeolla Province charge partial fares under their public systems.
The county plans to expand routes connecting the town center with remote villages and integrate demand-responsive transit (DRT) and Bravo Taxi services to eliminate coverage gaps. The 28 hired bus drivers are guaranteed employment as fixed-term public servants with flexible hours.
"Public transportation is the lifeline of ordinary citizens and the most basic form of transportation welfare, so it is desirable for the government to take responsibility even if deficits occur," said Park Wan-soo, Governor of South Gyeongsang Province. "We will actively support this model that started in Uiryeong to spread beyond our province to the entire nation."