SOS: save our subway

By Steven L. Shields

The International Radio Telegraphic Convention in 1906 adopted the Morse code equivalent of the letters S, O and S as an international maritime distress call. The sequence was chosen because it was distinctive. The letters did not represent any words. Years later, in popular usage, mnemonic phrases were (and still are) often used, such as "save our ship" or "save our souls." Today, the letters SOS are used widely as a sign for emergency services. Such labels are on emergency telephones or call boxes throughout cities in many countries.

As a universal call sign for help, I issue my SOS for Seoul Metro ― save our subway. Seoul Metro has been operating in the red for some time. Thousands of jobs are at stake, and the entire transport system is also in financial peril. Free ridership (senior citizens 65 and older) is increasing by leaps and bounds. Though it was a national initiative decades ago, the current National Assembly and finance ministry have shifted the burden of funding the program to the cities. As the largest city in the country, with the most extensive metro system and largest ridership, Seoul is faced with an unprecedented ― but not impossible ― challenge.

In recent weeks, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has launched several initiatives which he argues will be good for tourism and rejuvenate the parkway along the Han River. The Han River parkway is much loved and much used by the public, and certainly needs to undergo continuous maintenance and facilities updates. I'm not sure the parkway itself is a tourist attraction, though. I am very much in favor of beautiful parks and open spaces where those who live in this huge city can escape the snarled traffic and the concrete chicken coops we call apartments.

With all due respect to Mayor Oh, does Seoul need a giant amusement ride on the banks of the Han? The one in Seoul will be the biggest in the world without spokes and use some cutting-edge technology. This Ferris wheel copies similar installations such as the London Eye (though many Londoners call it the "eye sore"). However, "biggest" never lasts very long, and new technology can also mean problems getting all the bugs worked out. Perhaps we must grow up and overcome the human fascination with "big" things. We must consider the perceived benefit against the cost.

As most know, government budgets are always underestimated to cater to public approval. The mayor says the Seoul Ring will cost 400 billion won. The total cost will likely be twice as much. Also, the city forecasts the giant ring will attract 3.5 million tourists annually. I can't help but wonder if those estimates are way out of line since it's quite impossible to guess how many people will come for a single attraction. No, the city has based its estimate on the maximum daily capacity of the Seoul Ring multiplied by 365. Surely, that's an overestimate, not based on serious research. When such an attraction first opens, there is always an inevitable rush to see it, but not long after, something else grabs people's attention.

Having been in London not too many years back and succumbing to the temptation of the London Eye, I ventured toward London Bridge. I stood for almost two hours in a queue merely to buy my ticket and then had to wait in another queue for some 45 minutes before I could board my sardine-can-like capsule. The capsule was so crowded it was impossible to have a relaxed view of the city below.

No, Mr. Mayor, your "Ring" is a boondoggle. The vendors have sold you a bill of goods, and they will be the only ones who ever profit from this albatross.

Instead, Mr. Mayor, why not market and fund something that should be the pride of the nation and every citizen: Seoul Metro? It is one of the best, if not the best, in the world when considering all factors. Rare is the city that can boast of such an efficient, well-maintained, virtually accident-free, clean and safe, extensive and economical transportation system. We must also remember that transfers between the metro and bus are easy, convenient and economical. Every transit passenger from Incheon International Airport can be whisked around the city to some of the most beautiful and culturally impressive attractions in a few short hours. Seoul Metro is a tourist attraction to be proud of and market for all it's worth.

I, then, issue this SOS to His Honor, the mayor, and the officials of Seoul City. Save our Seoul Metro! Save our taxpayer funds by not wasting them on a giant Ferris wheel. Instead, make up the deficit of Seoul Metro, fund its expansion and support its training programs. Seoul Metro is the best investment the city has ever made with taxpayer money. It's a model to be proud of ― Korea's innovation, efficiency and green energy at its very best.

Rev. Steven L. Shields {slshields@gmail.com} has lived in Korea for many years, beginning in the 1970s. He is the president of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. He served as copyeditor of The Korea Times in 1977. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect The Korea Times' editorial stance.