The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) of South Korea reported on the 16th that the Seoul Metropolitan Government, led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, violated regulations during the process of calculating the total investment cost for the Han River River Bus project. The oversight revealed that the city had conducted investment examinations and economic feasibility analyses based on inaccurate figures, undermining the integrity of the project's financial assessment. These findings raise serious questions about the management practices within the city's administration, particularly in regard to urban transport projects meant to enhance public commuting options.

Furthermore, the BAI indicated that the actual operating speed of the Han River buses was significantly lower than the promised 17 knots, ranging between 14.5 to 15.6 knots. Despite being aware of this discrepancy, the Seoul Metropolitan Government publicly stated that the buses would operate at the target speed, thereby misleading stakeholders and potentially compromising the project's objectives. This action not only raises concerns about the accountability of city officials but also poses risks to the intended benefits of the project, which aimed to improve the convenience of commuting for citizens through enhanced public transport along the Han River.

The implications of these findings could lead to further scrutiny of the Han River Bus project and similar initiatives in the future. The BAI's revelations suggest potential negligence at the administrative level and highlight the necessity for stricter adherence to regulations in city planning and project management. As the public awaits official responses and potential actions from the city, this issue could impact the public trust in local governance and influence future urban transport developments in Seoul.