SR head seeks to clear hurdles for KTX-SRT merger
A SRT train stands ready for departure at Seoul Station, April 7. Courtesy of SR
Jung Wang-guk, head of SR, the state-run operator of high-speed railway SRT, said Tuesday that a merger of SR and Korea Railroad (KORAIL) and the launch of integrated service before October are his top priorities. KORAIL is the operator of KTX, the country’s most widely used high-speed train service.
SR CEO Jung Wang-guk speaks during a press conference in Sejong City, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
He also said the plan to offer both SRT and KTX services at Seoul Station and Suseo Station in southern Seoul is expected to effectively increase seat availability for passengers. KTX trains had previously never operated at Suseo Station, and SRT has not operated at Seoul Station.
The cross-operation plan comes as seat shortages have been a chronic issue for passengers, particularly SRT users, as the service offers only about half the number of seats compared to KTX and serves fewer stations.
Since December last year, test operations of the integrated service have been underway ahead of its official launch in September.
“The dry run involving an SRT train with 410 seats and a KTX train with 955 seats has added about 1,000 new seats for passengers per day,” Jung said during a press conference in Sejong City.
“The scheduled launch of the integrated service in September appears feasible, given ongoing discussions among labor representatives, management of the two companies and the government.”
The tripartite meeting has been held three times, and preparations for the fourth meeting are now underway.
Jung said no technical problems have been found since the dry run kicked off.
However, he noted that questions remain regarding new branding and management methods for the integrated platform, as well as differing ticket prices between the two companies, although he believes those concerns will be discussed in upcoming meetings.
“The merger of KORAIL and SR entails more than a physical merger. It must outline a clear vision for how this new entity will create a transformed railway industry that delivers superior services to the public. It is essential to present a comprehensive vision on this front,” Jung said.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, SRT and KTX will start testing double heading on May 15. This involves connecting the two trains, something that has never been done until now, and the trial run aims both to provide more seats and to verify its technical feasibility. Online booking for the double-header trains begins Wednesday.
“As for the double heading operation, which is the second stage of the integration of our high-speed railways, we’ll examine safety issues and any inconveniences in passenger use,” Transport Minister Kim Yun-duk said.
“We’ll push forward with integration more swiftly by September so that the public can experience more seat availability even sooner.”