A major bus driver strike has caused a severe public transport breakdown in Seoul. This indefinite walkout triggered a near-total system collapse for Tuesday commuters. Consequently, over ninety-three percent of city buses immediately stopped service. This system collapse left residents and visitors stranded in freezing conditions. Therefore, the strike exposes the city’s deep dependency on its bus network.
The Seoul City Bus Workers Union launched the all-day strike at 4 a.m. Union representatives and the Seoul Metropolitan Government failed their wage negotiations. Accordingly, 6,540 blue city buses remained idle in depots across the capital. Only limited intercity and village buses continued their limited operations. This massive withdrawal created immediate and widespread confusion at morning bus stops.
Commuters faced packed subway trains and unavailable taxis during rush hour. Many people wandered icy sidewalks near stops without clear alternatives. Electronic displays showed all routes as “waiting for departure” indefinitely. One commuter from Suwon expressed frustration about the lack of personal notification. He then left his usual stop to search for a taxi unsuccessfully.
The city increased rush-hour train operations to mitigate some crowding. However, subway congestion still rose by twenty to thirty percent. Furthermore, Line No. 2 experienced significant service disruptions from system issues. This compounded the difficulties for countless stranded commuters. Many people also endured longer walks on hills in dangerous icy conditions.
District governments introduced provisional shuttle buses between major subway stations. Unfortunately, these measures proved largely insufficient and poorly communicated. At one shuttle stop, there were no signs or staff to guide passengers. Nearby police officers could not provide clear information either. Several elderly women ran across icy streets to board a temporary shuttle.
Foreign visitors encountered particular difficulties due to the unexpected disruption. One group mistakenly waited for a shuttle to an incorrect destination. A district official then suggested a complex intercity bus route with transfers. This guidance left the travelers visibly uncertain and stranded. The incident highlights the strike’s impact on tourism and general mobility.
This transport crisis carries significant economic and social implications for Seoul. The paralysis disrupts business operations and worker productivity citywide. It also strains the remaining subway infrastructure beyond normal capacity. The strike underscores persistent labor disputes in essential public services. A prolonged walkout could force more substantial government intervention soon.
Future steps require urgent renewed negotiation between the union and city. Officials must address the core wage and working condition demands. The city may also need better contingency plans for such large-scale strikes. Ultimately, resolving this conflict is crucial to preventing another system collapse. The commuting public awaits a swift and fair resolution to this disruption.
