Concerns rise over controversial proposal to extend urban bus lifespan

[Photo by Yonhap]

A proposed extension of the operational lifespan of urban buses in South Korea to a maximum of 16 years is stirring debates in the National Assembly, leading to deep apprehension across the automotive parts industry. The increase in the operating period of aging buses could trigger a decline in new bus sales, posing challenges for parts suppliers.

According to sources on Tuesday, the amendment to the Passenger Automobile Act passed through the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee late last year and is currently awaiting deliberation by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

The crux of the proposed amendment lies in extending the durability period of route buses. The existing law allows buses to operate for a maximum of 9 years, with the provision to extend the lifespan within a 2-year range for vehicles that pass inspections conducted by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority.

The proposed amendment seeks to extend the operating period of buses in areas with insufficient public transportation and nationwide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by a basic term of 9 years, with an additional 5-year range.

Eco-friendly vehicles like electric and hydrogen buses could potentially see an extension of 7 years beyond the basic 9-year period. If the amendment passes, electric buses introduced in 2018, originally scheduled for retirement in 2029, could operate until 2034.

However, the proposed amendment has faced resistance from the commercial automotive sector. Critics raise concerns about the safety of buses over 10 years old, citing a lack of the latest safety features.

“Further extending the operating period increases concerns about passenger safety due to aging vehicles and goes against the goal of achieving national carbon neutrality through the promotion of electric and hydrogen vehicles,” said Kim Joo-hong, executive director of the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).

The commercial auto parts industry fears that if the amendment is implemented, an estimated average of 2,350 urban buses per year, totaling around 7,000 over the next three years, may not be decommissioned, affecting the natural turnover of the fleet.

“If the Korean commercial auto parts ecosystem collapses due to deteriorating management, an inevitable consequence will be the increase in the price of domestically produced buses, allowing Chinese buses to further erode the local market,” said an industry official.