Since the implementation of free tolls during weekday rush hours at the privately funded Wonjeoksan and Manwolsan Tunnels in Incheon, traffic volume has increased by 21% compared to the same period last year.
According to Incheon City on the 21st, an analysis of traffic volume for one month after waiving tolls at these tunnels on the 17th of last month showed that the number of vehicles using Wonjeoksan Tunnel (Seogu Seoknam-dong to Bupyeong-gu Sangok-dong) reached 107,284, a 30% increase compared to last year.
Additionally, Manwolsan Tunnel (Namdong-gu Ganseok-dong to Bupyeong-gu Bupyeong-dong) was used by 141,136 vehicles, marking a 15% increase from last year.
The tolls waived for these vehicles amount to approximately 190 million KRW. The city expects about 3 million vehicles to benefit annually going forward.
With the full toll exemption on Yeongjong and Incheon Bridge implemented, the city waived tolls during weekday rush hours at Wonjeoksan and Manwolsan Tunnels starting from the 17th of last month to address fairness issues for inland residents and to realize transportation welfare that citizens can feel.
All vehicles can use these tunnels free of charge on weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. However, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays are excluded. The tolls for these tunnels are 400 KRW for compact cars, 800 KRW for small vehicles, and 1,100 KRW for large vehicles.
Wonjeoksan Tunnel and Manwolsan Tunnel, both built through private investment, will collect tolls until 2034 and 2035 respectively, after which they will become toll-free.
An official from Incheon City stated, "Allowing all vehicles to pass through toll booths without stopping during rush hours helps alleviate traffic congestion and reduces the economic burden on users."
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