Nation's First Eco-Friendly 'Wirye Line Tram' Begins Pilot Operation... Scheduled to Open in Second Half of Next Year

5,000 km Pilot Test Run: Comprehensive Assessment of Acceleration and Ride Comfort
Korea's First Catenary-Free Tram, Total Length 5.4 km
Full-Scale Trial Operations on the Main Wirye Line Before Official Launch

The Wirye Line tram, the nation's first catenary-free streetcar, will begin pilot operations in September. This marks the return of trams after 58 years, connecting Machun Station with Bokjeong Station and Namwirye Station.

On September 4, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, aiming for official service in the second half of next year, it will conduct preliminary test runs of the initial Wirye Line tram set for one month starting in early September on the Osong test track operated by the Korea Railroad Research Institute.

The Wirye Line tram, the nation's first catenary-free streetcar, which will begin pilot operation this month aiming for official service in the second half of next year. Seoul City

The Wirye Line tram is the first catenary-free streetcar in the country. The total length is 5.4 kilometers, with 12 stations and one vehicle depot, and 10 tram sets will be deployed. A catenary-free streetcar operates without overhead power lines, which not only preserves the cityscape but also reduces construction costs. Trams were first introduced in Seoul in 1899 and operated for about 70 years until 1968.

This preliminary test run is a crucial step in the Wirye Line tram project to alleviate transportation congestion in Wirye New Town and to verify the convenience and safety of public transportation. During the test period, the tram will cover a total distance of more than 5,000 kilometers. The goal is to comprehensively assess acceleration and braking, curve-running capability, communication and signaling system integration, ride comfort, and noise and vibration, in order to verify the vehicle's performance and safety.

In particular, since streetcars share the road with other vehicles, the entire Wirye Line will feature 13 intersections and 35 pedestrian crossings, making precise system checks for public safety essential. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct various preliminary trial runs during the test period to ensure the highest level of safety and quality.

The Wirye Line tram, scheduled to open in the second half of next year, features an ultra-low floor design for the convenience and safety of transportation-vulnerable groups such as the elderly and wheelchair users. As the nation's first catenary-free tram, it uses a large-capacity battery mounted on the roof as its energy source instead of overhead power lines, making it an eco-friendly mode of transportation. In addition, a "forward collision warning system" that integrates radar and camera sensors has been installed to alert the operator early when obstacles are detected, and if there is no response, an emergency braking system is activated to ensure safe operation.

The tram's design was finalized based on citizen preferences gathered through on-site surveys and the Seoul M-Voting poll. The overall color scheme is purple, inspired by the robe of King Onjo of Baekje, who made Wirye (now Wirye New Town) his first capital, symbolizing elegance, dignity, and splendor. Moreover, purple was chosen to represent harmony among the three cities-Seoul, Seongnam, and Hanam-that make up Wirye New Town, as it is created by mixing their common symbolic colors, red and blue.

After completing the preliminary test runs, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct comprehensive trial operations on the main Wirye Line section starting in the second half of this year. Following a handover process with the railway operating agency, the goal is to officially open the Wirye Line tram in the second half of 2026. Kim Yonghak, Director General of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Railway Bureau, stated, "The preliminary test run is an important first step toward the opening of the Wirye Line tram. We will thoroughly conduct all tests and verifications and proceed without delay to enhance transportation welfare for all citizens, including those with mobility challenges, through safe and pleasant tram operations."