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KTX expands Tuesday following SRT absorption
Passengers wait to board a KTX train at Seoul Station, Thursday. Yonhap
By Ko Dong-hwan
Integration achieves more seats, cheaper prices
The integrated high-speed railway service combining KTX and SRT will officially launch Tuesday, marking the debut of the country’s first dedicated platform for high-speed trains.
SRT trains, previously operated by SR, will join KTX services operated by KORAIL under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The integration of SR into KORAIL will increase seating capacity for passengers. The government said 15,000 additional seats will be available on weekdays and 17,000 on weekends. It also said the number of seats on routes departing from Suseo Station in southern Seoul will increase by 30 percent.
Fares will be reduced by an average of 10 percent, to SRT levels.
All trains will be available for booking through KORAIL+, the online platform launched by KORAIL in early August.
Transport Minister Kim Yun-deok said the government will prioritize “safety above all else, inspect the field and ensure that the public can use high-speed rail more conveniently while enjoying better railway services.”
KORAIL President Kim Tae-seung also said that the company will keep railway safety as top priority.
SR CEO Jeong Wang-guk said, “The company has steadily built its capabilities through operating the Suseo high-speed railway. I hope this experience and expertise will serve as valuable assets to KORAIL, ultimately benefiting the public through safer and more convenient railway services.”