[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] A feasibility study has begun to introduce a "tram" (streetcar) on the 14.82 km section connecting Banwol in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province to Osan, and the 17.53 km section connecting Byeongjeom in Hwaseong to Dongtan 2 New Town.
Gyeonggi Province announced on the 18th that it has started the "feasibility evaluation and basic plan establishment service" to introduce the province's first eco-friendly transportation, the "tram," on these two sections. Through this service, the province plans to finalize and announce the basic plan in the first half of next year.
The tram project is being promoted as part of the metropolitan transportation improvement measures for the Hwaseong Dongtan 2 New Town housing development project, with a total investment of 996.7 billion KRW. A total of 34 stations will be built across the two sections, with the goal of opening in 2027.
Through this service, the province plans to carefully review alternative selections, technical assessments, traffic demand forecasts, and economic feasibility to establish the optimal facility and operation plan so that residents in Hwaseong Dongtan and Osan areas can use railway services more conveniently.
Earlier, on the 7th of last month, the province signed a business agreement with Hwaseong City and Osan City to successfully establish the basic plan. Additionally, a working council will be formed to gather opinions from experts and related organizations.
Hong Ji-seon, Director of the Province's Railroad, Port, and Logistics Bureau, stated, "We will prepare thoroughly to create a transportation system that satisfies residents and to open a successful tram era. We will collect various opinions to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and prepare a more substantial basic plan."
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