[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The congestion on Incheon Metro Line 2, which runs between Unyeon Station in Namdong-gu and Geomdan-Oryu Station in Seo-gu, is expected to improve.
Incheon City announced on the 6th that it will add six newly manufactured trains to Line 2 starting from the 9th.
To alleviate congestion on Line 2, the city invested 42.5 billion KRW of municipal funds from 2018 to this year to manufacture six new trains and complete additional expansions of systems such as overhead lines, tracks, signaling, and communication facilities.
Since its opening in 2016, Line 2 has faithfully served as a transportation lifeline for Incheon citizens, with a cumulative ridership of 49.93 million; however, high congestion during rush hours caused significant inconvenience to passengers.
With the addition of the new trains, the total number of trains on Line 2 will increase from 37 trains (74 cars) to 43 trains (86 cars), and the number of train operations will increase by 17, from 460 to 477 trips. The interval between trains will also be shortened by 24 seconds during the morning rush hour, from 3 minutes 20 seconds to 2 minutes 56 seconds.
Additionally, the peak congestion rate during morning rush hour on the section from Gajeong Jungang Market to Seoknam (downbound) was 149.8%, but this will decrease by approximately 15% due to the additional trains.
On the 6th, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok attended a new train ride event at the Unyeon train depot and stated, "To fulfill our transportation welfare pledge, starting next year, we will improve the environment of trains and stations on Incheon Line 1 and additionally install elevators and escalators for the disabled to enhance public transportation satisfaction."
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