Airport bus to rely on hydrogen by 2030

Seoul metropolitan government announced that all airport buses will be replaced by hydrogen buses by 2030.  Most of airport buses are diesel-powered at present.  This airport bus travels between Incheon International Airport and all corners of Seoul every day. 

Roughly 450 buses are operating in 43 routes.  Large diesel buses emit 30 times more greenhouse gases and 43 times more fine particulates than ordinary passenger vehicles.  These buses are one of the main culprits of air pollution in the Seoul metropolitan area. 

Subsequently, the Seoul city government decided to replace 70% or some 300 airport buses currently in service with hydrogen buses by 2026 and all airport buses by 2030.  Hydrogen buses do not emit carbon dioxide or other air pollutants. 

Also, it takes less than thirty minutes to charge a hydrogen bus, shorter than a charge required for an electric bus.  It is estimated to take about 300 million won per bus for the replacement.