Bus-only lanes

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
Ever since Korea introduced the bus-only lanes running in the middle of the road, my daily commute to work has become a nightmare.

Korean traffic is crazy enough to begin with, but the bus lane has made it even worse. During rush hour, it’s virtually impossible to get around in central Seoul where my office is located. I wonder if bus riders see any benefits to the new system.

A:
Before the bus-only lane system was introduced last year, it had been tested in a few areas, including Cheonho-dong in northeastern Seoul. The idea was to help revive the Korean bus system, which has lost popularity as more and more commuters opt for the subway. The new system improved the overall network by reorganizing redundant routes.

Regular commuters who travel by car might find it less convenient and time-consuming than before, but most bus travelers have found the new system faster and more convenient, provided that the bus operates through main avenues with no jams or bottlenecks. Smaller local buses, known as maeul buses, and tourist buses are not allowed to use the bus-only lanes, so there’s no benefit to riders.