This study seeks to clarify the background and factors for the expansion of bus networks that connect Incheon International Airport with its hinterlands. For this research objective, this paper analyzes the relationships among the change of bus routes ...
This study seeks to clarify the background and factors for the expansion of bus networks that connect Incheon International Airport with its hinterlands. For this research objective, this paper analyzes the relationships among the change of bus routes, competitive transportation modes, passenger fares, and the shortest time distance.
Previously, the hinterlands of route bus networks that connect Gimpo International Airport were Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong region, Jeonju and Iksan in Jeollabuk-do(province). However, the opening of Incheon International Airport resulted in the expansion of the hinterlands of bus networks to Gangwon-do, Gwangju, and major cities in Youngnam region. Simultaneously, route bus networks also expanded in Seoul metropolitan area. Each bus route connecting Incheon International Airport with its hinterlands was opened by a single bus company or various bus companies. In many cases, due to the uncertainty of revenues or bus company's regional ties, a bus route was opened by various bus companies.
In this paper, the analysis of the number of one-way route bus service and density of flight passengers shows that the frequency of the route bus service for Seoul except Gangseo-gu(ward) and for Seoul's satellite cities(Suwon, Seongnam, Anyang, Gunpo, Guri, and Osan) should be decreased. The analysis also shows that the frequency of the route bus services for the other cities, counties(Guns), and wards(gus) should be increased. In Seoul metropolitan area, although route bus fares are more expensive than subway fares, passengers use route bus more frequently than subway because time distance of route bus is shorter than that of subway and subway transfer is inconvenient. In general, outside Seoul metropolitan area, air flight is preferred in the regions that have airports. In contrast, the route bus is preferred in Daegu and other regions that do not have airports.