Difficulties in Procuring Siemens Vehicles in Germany Prompt Push for Domestic Parts Production
Exploring Technical Partnership Plans with Operators of the Same Vehicle Model and Keolis
Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced on the 30th that it held a meeting with light rail transit officials to devise measures to prevent consecutive light rail transit malfunctions.
The meeting, held at the City Hall Transportation Bureau Director's Office, was attended by employees from Uijeongbu City Railroad Transportation Division, Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd., and the management and operation company Woojin Metro Co., Ltd.
The attendees discussed ▲ measures to reduce vehicle malfunctions, which are the main cause of disruptions ▲ implementation of inspections and consultations by external experts in the vehicle field ▲ formation of a joint task force (TF) among related organizations of Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit ▲ and technical partnership plans with Keolis, the urban railway operator of Lille City, France, which operates the same type of vehicles as Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit.
The Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit vehicles (VAL208) are manufactured by Siemens, Germany. This vehicle model, sensitive to temperature changes, is identified as a major cause of malfunctions in Korea due to the large temperature fluctuations, unlike the European climate.
In this regard, Woojin Metro Co., Ltd. stated, "We will do our best to resolve this issue by researching and developing substitutes and improved parts for components that are difficult to procure."
A city official said, "We urge the preparation of drastic measures that can fundamentally solve the recurring malfunctions," adding, "Due to repeated light rail transit malfunctions, citizens' transportation convenience is being compromised, and fundamental management and operation measures by Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd. are required."
The city and Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd. plan to establish a technical partnership with Lille City, France, and Keolis, the urban railway operator of Lille City, which operate the same model of Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit vehicles (Siemens VAL208), to minimize operational disruptions.
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