On Feb. 11 in Sydney's Circular Quay. At the crowded wharf, the throng split into two groups. Tourists who bought cruise tickets at the ticket office lined up on the right side of the wharf, and citizens who tapped their wallets on the OPAL transit card reader lined up on the left. Those on the right boarded the "Captain Cook" fast ferry or a cruise ship, and those on the left boarded an ivory-colored ferry.
As the ferry bound for "Taronga Zoo" set sail, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the city's landmarks, came into full view. There was plenty to see for travelers, but the mood on board was calm. Most passengers wore earphones and spent their time on their smartphones or tablets.
The ferry arrived at its destination, Taronga Zoo Wharf, in 15 minutes. By car, it would take 30–40 minutes. In Sydney, the ferry has become an everyday public transit option. Could this be possible on the Han River too?
◇ London, a look-alike to Seoul… River bus use jumps sixfold during subway strikes
According to the Seoul city government on the 12th, the Han River bus carried 62,491 passengers last month. That is an increase of 16,539 from the previous peak in November last year (45,952). From the start of regular service in September last year through the end of March this year, cumulative ridership reached 167,426. Since service resumed in March, there have been no additional incidents.
In global megacities, water transport has already moved beyond being an "alternative mode" to an everyday option. Compared to ground transport, it can move more passengers at once and capture tourist demand, which is cited as a strength. Recently, advances in eco-friendly ship technology have raised expectations for carbon reduction. London in the United Kingdom and New York in the United States are prime examples.
The London city government began operating the "river bus" on the Thames in 1999. It was part of the "Thames 2000 Project," aimed at waterfront development, similar in context to Seoul's "Han River Renaissance" initiative. In the early phase, operations were limited to a single vessel on a single route, focused on tourist demand. A limitation was noted that it failed to absorb commuting demand.
The London city government injected government subsidies to expand routes to six and added vessels. It expanded vessels tailored to purposes such as commuting, sightseeing, and small craft. The river bus service built in this way showed its presence in times of crisis. David Panayiotou, head of London River Services, who attended the "Han River Bus Global Insight Forum" held in Mapo, Seoul, on Feb. 24, said, "River bus ridership increased by about 600% due to a subway strike," adding, "It has come to play an important role as an alternative mode of transport."
◇ New York ferries overcome "tax guzzler" criticism… surpass target ridership in two years
Since 2017, the New York city government has operated "NYC Ferry" on and around the Hudson River. Currently, 38 vessels on five routes serving 25 landings carry about 7.4 million people annually.
Discussion of New York's water transport gained traction after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks highlighted the need for alternative modes. Following pilot operations in 2011, the system expanded to its current form.
NYC Ferry quickly took hold, surpassing its initial ridership projections within two years of launch. Despite two fare hikes since 2022, ridership has continued to grow. It has also helped spur waterfront economic development projects across the city's five boroughs.
However, there has been criticism of "excessive expense expenditure" regarding the public subsidies spent on the ferry program. In response, the New York city government has maintained that subsidies are necessary because the ferry service fulfills the role of public transit infrastructure.
Jonathan Figueroa, executive vice president at Hornblower Group, which operates NYC Ferry, said, "It is difficult for a private operator alone to maintain the infrastructure," adding, "Through public support we kept fares reasonable, which in turn expanded ridership and improved access in areas underserved by transit."
◇ What it will take for the Han River bus to take root… "diversify revenue sources" and "ensure safety response"
Experts say the Han River bus has ample potential. At about 1.2 kilometers wide, the Han River is similar to New York's Hudson River and wider than London's Thames. Analysts also say Seoul's transport network, centered on the Han, offers strong potential for connections with water transit.
However, securing additional demand is cited as key to a stable foothold. Commuter demand alone has limits, so drawing tourists as well is necessary to build a sustainable revenue structure. Executive Vice President Figueroa noted, "As commuting patterns changed after COVID-19, securing 'alternative passengers' became important," stressing the need to combine tourist demand. London, in fact, also balances operations through tourists and advertising revenue.
Proactive responses to safety issues are also among the tasks. Mark Hickman, a University of Queensland distinguished professor, said, "In places with strong currents like Brisbane, pier flooding or vessel incidents occur from time to time," adding, "In the early phase of a program, various variables can emerge. Active responses and feedback (remedies) are needed."