- Parallel operation of fixed commuter routes and on-demand service to enhance resident mobility -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will extend the temporary operation of the demand-responsive I-MOD bus service currently serving Geomdan New Town through June 2026 to further improve public transportation convenience for local residents.

The Geomdan New Town I-MOD service operates on five fixed routes during morning and evening commuting hours, while switching to an on-demand system during off-peak periods. When a user places a request, the operating platform calculates the optimal route, dispatches the vehicle to a designated stop, and provides rapid, customized transportation to the destination.

Since September 2021, Incheon has operated the I-MOD service as part of the Geomdan New Town Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan to address mobility challenges faced by early residents. The program was originally scheduled to conclude at the end of 2025.

However, the city considered several factors, including plans to gradually introduce three new city bus routes, adjust two existing routes, and add five more metropolitan buses starting in the second half of 2026. Improved user satisfaction following service enhancements—such as fare reductions and expanded stop coverage—was also taken into account.

Based on these considerations, Incheon decided to extend the service on a temporary basis through the first half of 2026, with the active cooperation from project operators Incheon Housing and City Development Corporation (IH) and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).

The extension will require approximately KRW 800 million in additional funding, which will be jointly covered by IH and LH as developers of the Geomdan housing site. A total of six vehicles will be stationed, each with a seating capacity of 16 passengers. During commute hours from 6:00 AM to 8:30PM, five I-MOD buses will circulate across four zones, while one vehicle will provide on-demand service within Geomdan New Town. Outside of commute hours, all six vehicles will operate exclusively in demand-responsive mode to support internal mobility throughout the new town.

Jang Cheol-bae, Director of the Transportation Bureau, said, “This temporary extension of the I-MOD demand-responsive bus service is expected to significantly improve not only commuting convenience but also everyday mobility for residents of Geomdan New Town. Incheon will continue to actively reflect residents’ feedback to address public transportation inconveniences and enhance transportation welfare for city residents.”