Mayor Joo Gwang-deok of Namyangju Expresses Firm Determination
Namyangju City to Continue Efforts for Effective Transportation Improvements
Through Consultations with Korail, LH, and Related Organizations
Gyeonggi Namyangju City (Mayor Joo Gwang-deok) announced on the 1st that it is closely cooperating with related organizations to ensure the ‘Maseok~Sangbong Shuttle Train’ opens smoothly on May 1st.
Joo Gwang-deok, Mayor of Namyangju City, stated that he will ensure the 'Maseok~Sangbong Shuttle Train' opens smoothly on May 1. Provided by Namyangju City
Mayor Joo Gwang-deok emphasized, “We will thoroughly respond to related organizations such as Korail and LH to prevent unnecessary confusion in civil society, and through responsible consultations, we will ensure the project proceeds in a direction favorable to our city so that citizens’ taxes are not used unnecessarily.”
The ‘Maseok~Sangbong Shuttle Train’ project is part of the Namyangju Wangsuk District’s metropolitan transportation improvement plan. It is a measure to enhance the convenience of transportation for existing Gyeongchun Line users by introducing a shuttle train early during commuting hours starting in May, ahead of the new town’s move-in.
Recently, some media outlets reported that Namyangju City is avoiding responsibility for the operating costs of the project. However, the project was proposed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as part of the ‘transport first, then move-in’ strategy and included in the metropolitan transportation improvement plan. It was not a project originally conceived or suggested by Namyangju City.
Additionally, Mayor Joo Gwang-deok explained during the 310th Namyangju City Council temporary session in March, in response to a city administration question, that “The final approval of the metropolitan transportation improvement plan does not specify Namyangju City as the project implementer or the party responsible for funding, so there is currently no basis for Namyangju City to bear the operating costs.”
Generally, when approving metropolitan transportation improvement plans, the funding responsibility for each transportation facility is specified. If not specified, the costs are borne by the owner or operator according to relevant laws such as the National Property Act.
Furthermore, Articles 32 and 33 of the Railroad Industry Basic Act define public services as including “fare reductions (discounts), support for unprofitable routes, and free rides for the elderly,” which do not apply to the Maseok~Sangbong Shuttle Train project.
Some have claimed that “Namyangju City recognizes its responsibility to share operating costs,” citing statements made during a meeting hosted by a member of the National Assembly in September 2021.
However, this was part of a consultation process indicating that “if local governments are legally required to bear operating costs, sharing among beneficiary local governments should be considered.”
Subsequently, after consultations with Guri City, it was finally confirmed that there is no legal basis for local governments to bear the operating costs.
Mayor Joo Gwang-deok stated, “Our city is currently preparing for several negotiations with Korail, LH, and others, including the opening of Line 9 and the establishment of a new station in Wangsuk 2 District on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Namyangju will take a comprehensive and long-term approach to lead negotiations, minimize budget expenditures, and build the best transportation service.”
Namyangju City will continue to prioritize resolving citizens’ transportation inconveniences, prepare a comprehensive metropolitan transportation plan, and make ongoing efforts to achieve effective transportation improvements through consultations with related organizations such as Korail and LH.
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