Korea’s AI-powered demand responsive buses debut in Europe

Senior officials from Korea and Hungary pose during the launch ceremony of the pilot demand responsive transport project in Godollo, Hungary, Thursday (local time). Courtesy of Ministry of Economy and Finance

Korea’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered demand responsive buses will begin operations in Hungary later this month, marking the debut of Korean smart mobility technology in Europe, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Hyundai Motor Company said Sunday.

Demand responsive transport (DRT) offers a flexible alternative to conventional fixed-route public transportation by creating real-time routes based on user requests. The AI-driven system forecasts passenger demand, optimizes vehicle allocation and calculates the most efficient routes.

According to the finance ministry, senior officials from both countries gathered in Godollo, a satellite city of Budapest, to attend the launch ceremony of a pilot DRT project held on Thursday (local time).

This pilot is part of the Economic Innovation Partnership Program, an initiative focused on eco-friendly smart mobility that the ministry has pursued since 2022.

The Korean government proposed implementing the DRT system — already recognized as an effective smart mobility option domestically — in a way tailored to Hungary’s needs. The Hungarian government accepted the proposal and agreed to carry out a pilot program in Godollo.

As of July, DRT services operate across 59 regions in 26 municipalities throughout Korea.

Following the launch ceremony, a 12-week DRT pilot will run from Aug. 18 through Oct. 31 in the Hungarian city, serving local residents.

The introduction of DRT is expected to help build a more sustainable mobility system by reducing carbon emissions, as the service minimizes unnecessary vehicle operations by running only along routes with actual demand.

It is also recognized as a promising alternative to enhance mobility in smaller European towns where traditional bus routes and infrastructure are limited.

The pilot project is particularly meaningful as it marks the first international deployment of Hyundai Motor’s DRT platform, Shucle.

The finance ministry noted that, based on the pilot’s outcome, there is potential for the service to be extended to other Hungarian cities and throughout Europe.

“We anticipate this pilot will lay the groundwork for Korean companies to enter and expand within the Hungarian and wider European markets,” a ministry official said.

A Hyundai Motor official noted, “Through involvement in the pilot project, we will work closely with local operators to develop the service, tailor the Shucle platform to suit local needs and oversee system maintenance with the goal of enhancing mobility for local residents.”