[News Today] Self-driving bus operates in Seoul

[LEAD]
Self-driving technology is advancing fast. Now, a shuttle with no driver's seat is on the road in Seoul. The 9-seater runs near Cheonggyecheon Stream.

[REPORT]
A uniquely designed bus appears on a road near Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul.

The bus changes lanes and moves to avoid pedestrians, cars and other obstacles, on its own.

Park Jeong-suk / Seoul resident
It's bewildering to see a self-driving vehicle for the first time in bustling downtown Seoul.

This 9-seat self-driving bus produced using only domestic technology is put to operation on an actual road for the first time.

Eight cameras and nine sensors attached on the exterior view the surrounding situation in real time, allowing the bus to cruise at a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour.

One human driver is on board.

That individual can control the bus with a joystick if the need arises.

Lee Byung-jin / Self-driving bus developer
Dual systems are designed. This way, even if one part malfunctions, other areas are unaffected, assuring stability.

This shuttle operates a 4.8 kilometer round trip section between Cheonggye Plaza and Kwangjang Market, free of charge.

Jang Hee-jung / Goyang resident
Safety devices look sufficient enough, so I'm at ease. It will be nice to have several different routes though.

Seoul City expects the autonomous bus to also serve as a sightseeing tourist attraction in the Cheonggyecheon area.

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