Busan Transportation Corporation Presents 'New Metro' Vision on Second Anniversary

Achievements in Smart Safety Management, Citizen-Friendly Spaces, and Service Innovation

Busan Transportation Corporation, led by President Byungjin Lee, is paving a new path for the future of urban transportation by leading changes in the urban railway system through the establishment of a smart safety management system, the reinvention of citizen-friendly spaces, and innovation in customer service.

Marking the second anniversary of its eighth term under the slogan "Change and Leap, New Metro," the corporation reflected on its achievements and presented a blueprint for the future of urban transportation centered around the metro system.

President Byungjin Lee began his term by skipping the inauguration ceremony and immediately conducting on-site inspections, thereby establishing a culture that prioritizes safety above all else. As a result, the corporation has established an AI-based smart safety management system, built an LTE-R integrated railway wireless communication network, replaced 440 aging train cars, and completed the early upgrade of safety devices on 658 escalators, among other accomplishments.

In the 2024 National Railway Safety Management Evaluation, the corporation ranked first nationwide with a score of 93.47, earning recognition as the top institution. Since the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, there have been no serious accidents at the corporation.

This year, the corporation opened the "Metro Lounge," a multi-purpose cultural platform at Gwangan Station and Beomnaegol Station, where it hosts various cultural events such as media art exhibitions, busking performances, and character experiences.

At Sinpyeong Station, the "Haha Center" community space for the new senior generation has been established. Digital Test Centers of the Korea Human Resources Development Service have been introduced at Dongnae Station and Gwangan Station, and at the Nopo Train Depot, the first-generation Line 1 train registered as a cultural heritage by Busan City is being used as an exhibition space.

In 2024, the metro’s share of urban transportation reached 19.0%, surpassing city buses (18.8%) for the first time. This was supported by improvements in transfer guidance systems, the provision of real-time train information, and the expansion of elevators and escalators, all of which enhanced user experience. Additionally, the corporation introduced customer experience management systems such as an automatic cash receipt issuance system, WeChat Pay-linked QR tickets, and a non-face-to-face simultaneous interpretation service at Busan Station.

Busan Transportation Corporation plans to lead the realization of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam megacity through innovations in safety and service based on AI, IoT, and big data, the expansion of new lines and integration with the metropolitan railway network, and the introduction of Busan-style Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

President Byungjin Lee stated, "The most rewarding achievement has been laying the foundation for a leap into future transportation by prioritizing the safety and convenience of our citizens," adding, "Just as Busan Metro has evolved over the past 40 years, we will continue to open a new era together with our citizens."