A Study on Building a Sustainable Transportation System through the Introduction of Bicycle–Public Transport Transfer Stations

Bicycles play a vital role in sustainable urban mobility, yet they remain largely disconnected from public transport in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, limiting their potential to reduce carbon emissions, enhance mobility efficiency, and promote healthier lifestyles. (1) Background/Purpose: According to the Korea Transport Institute (2023), approximately 13.4 million South Koreans ride bicycles, with 3.3 million using them daily. Despite Seoul’s public bike-sharing service Ddareungi recording a 298-fold growth since 2010, the absence of dedicated transfer stations and MaaS (Mobility as a Service) integration restricts their widespread adoption for commuting, particularly for distances over 9 km. Infrastructure gaps, hygiene concerns, and seamless connection deficiencies discourage regular bicycle use. This study analyzes the feasibility of establishing bicycle–public transport transfer stations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and proposes a model for their integration with K-MaaS. (2) Study Design/Methodology/Approach: The study combines quantitative analysis (transport statistics, survey of 32 metropolitan residents conducted in February 2025, Chi-Square test, WTP analysis, CO₂ reduction estimation using 208 g/km as the benchmark, and WHO HEAT model application) with qualitative analysis (prior research review, international case studies, simulation scenario design). (3) Findings: Survey results show that 93.8% of respondents would more actively use personal mobility if hygiene, storage, and transfer inconveniences were minimized. Eco-mileage integration could increase personal mobility use intention by approximately 193%. The proposed transfer stations at Digital Media City, Yeouinaru, and Sports Complex stations are estimated to yield monthly CO₂ reductions of approximately 18,720 tons. A public–private partnership (PPP) operation model with monthly subscription fees of KRW 30,000–50,000 is identified as the most economically viable approach. (4) Originality/Value: This study establishes a new concept of bicycle transfer stations as multi-functional smart mobility hubs integrating MaaS, contributing to carbon reduction, public health improvement, and sustainable urban transport system construction.