Kim Yonghyun of Guri City Council Delivers Five-Minute Speech at the 355th Extraordinary Session
On December 18, Kim Yonghyun, a member of the Guri City Council (Chairman: Shin Donghwa), delivered a five-minute free speech at the 355th extraordinary session's first plenary meeting, urging a comprehensive response to secure a stop for the GTX-B line at Galmae Station and strongly calling for responsible administration by Guri City regarding changes to the Byeollae Line operation plan.
Referencing the results of the "Feasibility Study for the GTX-B Line Stop at Galmae Station" announced by the National Railroad Authority on December 16, Kim highlighted that the business feasibility (B/C) was calculated to be very high at 1.45 if the existing station is used jointly. He clarified that securing a stop at Galmae Station is no longer an impossible demand but a realistic subject for negotiation.
Assemblyman Kim urged, "We must mobilize all of the city's political and administrative capabilities to swiftly conduct strategic negotiations with private operators by March next year and reach a reasonable final agreement."
He especially emphasized, "If the train does not stop, we strongly demand the implementation of noise and vibration mitigation measures, based on the designation of noise and vibration management zones under Guri City's 'Ordinance on the Reduction of Noise, Vibration, and Scattered Dust.' Furthermore, the 'line function'-a consideration for local government cost-sharing under the Metropolitan Transportation Act-lacks sufficient grounds since there are no substantial benefits returned to Guri City. Given the severe fiscal conditions of both Guri City and Gyeonggi Province, the city council will not approve this either."
He continued, "Since the GTX-B stop at Galmae Station is a realistic issue validated by data, it is no longer an impossible demand. If citizens, administration, and political leaders work together, it can certainly be achieved. Guri City must mobilize all available resources, including communication with central government agencies and active media promotion, to achieve this goal."
Meanwhile, regarding the issue of reduced service and changes to the Byeollae Line operation plan, Assemblyman Kim criticized Guri City's administration for remaining silent in response to Seoul City's unilateral notice. He stressed that, as Guri City is directly affected by the reduction in service frequency, it must share information with the city council, immediately provide a clear official response to Seoul City and Seoul Metro, and fulfill all legal procedures, including reporting to the Governor of Gyeonggi Province in accordance with Article 33 of the Urban Railroad Act.
Kim Yonghyun emphasized, "Administrative convenience cannot come at the expense of citizens' inconvenience. Securing a stop for the GTX-B line at Galmae Station and ensuring normal operation of the Byeollae Line are the minimum responsibilities to protect the transportation rights of Guri citizens."
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