Seoul’s Hangang Bus faces backlash over safety failures
Seoul’s 150 billion won ($105 million) Hangang Bus project is facing criticism over repeated breakdowns and safety lapses just days after its launch on Sept. 18, raising doubts about its viability as the city’s new waterborne transport service. During rush hour on Monday and Tuesday, two Hangang Bus vessels suffered critical breakdowns, forcing emergency dockings and leaving more than 100 passengers stranded on each occasion. Sudden rudder failures and electrical glitches stalled the boats mid-river or prevented departures, as operators rushed to evacuate passengers and issue refunds. While city officials say repairs have been completed, the persistent nature of these failures has heightened anxieties about the reliability and safety of the boats. Concerns extend beyond mechanical defects. Local media reported that access to critical emergency equipment — including cabinets for infant life jackets — was blocked by ramps for wheelchairs and bicycles, which would be unsafe in an emergency. Fire extinguishers on board showed no recent inspection records, and on several occasions the
