Urban Public Transportation in Seoul: Status and Prospects

Urban public transportation plays a vital role in sustaining the quality of life in Seoul, Korea. Urban public transportation carries about 75% of the total trips made. This paper discusses land use, travel, and urban transportation patterns in Seoul. Current status of bus, subway and taxi is explained in detail. Contribution of public transportation in sustaining the quality of urban life in terms of air quality and mobility is discussed. Some important policy measures to boost use of public transportation are introduced and their impacts are discussed. Future public transportation policy direction that stresses integration of bus and subway, and urban and regional public transportation is also explained.