Amphibian bus to begin operation in Gyeongin Ara Waterway in May

Korea’s very first amphibian bus (photo) that can freely run both on land and in water is set to begin its operation in May, carrying tourists across the Gyeongin Ara Waterway.

According to Incheon Metropolitan City on Sunday, its private operator Aqua Tourism Korea plans to complete terminal construction by April and begin the operation from May 1 after conducting test-runs.

Two amphibious buses with the capacity of 39 people will be in operation, carrying 30-35 passengers except for a captain, tour guides and lifeguards. The buses will be equipped with lifesaving equipment such as rescue boats and life jackets.

Departing from the Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal seven times a day, the amfibus runs around the Gyeongin Ara Waterway before it enters the terminal near the Hamsang Park in the waterway. Sightseeing tours will take about 70 minutes: 60 minutes on land and 10 minutes in the water.

The bus was supposed to depart from the Incheon passenger terminal and run through the Yeongjong Bridge and Yedanpo, but its route was changed due to the 106-vehicle pileup that has recently occurred in the Yeongjong Bridge.

Fares are 30,000 Korean won (approx. 27 U.S. dollars) for adults, 25,000 won (approx. 23 dollars) for teenagers and 20,000 won (approx. 18 dollars) for those who are 12-year-old or younger.

"Amphibious bus has already gained widespread popularity in such countries as America, the U.K., Australia and Japan. Korea’s amfibus has passed all the safety tests as a bus and a ferry conducted by Korea Transportation Safety Authority and Korea Ship Safety Technology Authority," said an official of the Incheon city government.