“We confirmed that there were no operational problems after taking corrective measures, which made us confident about starting the Hangang Bus service. But the Hangang Bus faced temporary suspension on multiple days — Sept. 17, Sept. 20, Sept. 22 and Sept. 26 — due to heavy rainfall, an increase in dam water release, an electrical system issue and a rudder malfunction, respectively. But the Seoul mayor has faced criticism since the Hangang Bus was first announced as part of Oh’s “Hangang Renaissance Project” to redesign and create a riverside cultural space along the Han River, during his first term in 2006. Ruling Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers have recently contended that the Hangang Bus project should be abandoned. Rep. Jeon Yong-gi, another Democratic Party lawmaker, raised additional concern that the Hangang Bus service did not verify passengers’ identities, creating a potential safety gap in the event of maritime accidents.