Seoul's coloured bus system

In 2004 the Seoul Metropolitan Government completely overhauled their 'Ilban', or city bus system:

1. Bus routes were simplified
2. Four bus categories were created, each with a different colour scheme (red, blue, yellow, and green);
3. Route numbers were changed so that they explained both the origin and destination of the route, based on a district numbering system;
4. A flat-fare system was implemented and integrated with the subway system;
5. Real-time communication systems were installed so that transit riders could check arrival times by cell phone.

Many of these changes have been embraced by Victoria's SmartBus system, but the colour-coding by area is an interesting innovation that has greatly served to reduce confusion about bus services, especially for Seoul's tourist population. To find out more about these innovation, see this article by re:place Magazine.