Namyangju and Seoul Agree to Maintain Current Byeollae Line Train Operations
Concerns Over Disruptions on Line 8 Extension Resolved... Measures to Alleviate Congestion Promised
Strengthened Cooperation on Key Transportation Issues, Including Con
The plan to reduce train operations on the Byeollae Line (an extension of Subway Line 8), which had faced strong opposition from residents of Namyangju and Guri in Gyeonggi Province, has been scrapped.
Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City (right), met with Oh Sehoon, Mayor of Seoul, at Seoul City Hall on the 17th to strongly request cooperation for maintaining the current operation plan of the Byeollae Line train. Provided by Namyangju City
According to Namyangju City on December 18, Mayor Joo Kwangdeok of Namyangju met with Mayor Oh Sehoon of Seoul at Seoul City Hall on the 17th and strongly requested cooperation in maintaining the current operation plan for the Byeollae Line. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government agreed to the request.
Initially, concerns about a reduction in train operations due to the proposed adjustment of the Byeollae Line's operation plan had raised anxiety among passengers. However, through this emergency meeting between the heads of the local governments, the Seoul Metropolitan Government pledged to maintain the current interval between trains on the Byeollae Line without any reduction in service, and to develop fundamental measures to alleviate congestion through joint meetings with relevant agencies.
Mayor Joo Kwangdeok stated, "I am grateful that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has made a forward-looking decision regarding citizens' concerns about the Byeollae Line operation plan," and emphasized, "We will continue to actively cooperate with Seoul on all major public transportation issues going forward."
In addition to maintaining the Byeollae Line, the meeting also included in-depth discussions on Namyangju City's long-standing goal of connecting the regional rail network.
A prime example is the project to connect the currently disconnected 3.2-kilometer section between the Byeollae Line terminus and the Jinjeop Line. Based on the results of the ongoing feasibility study, the city plans to reapply for a preliminary feasibility study with the Ministry of Economy and Finance in the first half of next year.
Furthermore, both cities agreed on the need to improve transportation services that citizens can tangibly experience, such as reducing the train intervals on the Jinjeop Line (an extension of Line 4) in connection with the operation of the Jinjeop Train Depot.
A local political figure commented, "This agreement demonstrates the close cooperation between Namyangju City and the Seoul Metropolitan Government," adding, "Not only does scrapping the plan to reduce service on the Byeollae Line prevent commuter chaos, but it is also expected to accelerate the project to connect the disconnected rail network."
Previously, Seoul Metro had pushed for a change in the train operation plan for the Byeollae Line, an extension of Line 8, which would have shifted three regular trains from the existing Byeollae terminus to Seoul's Amsa Station. This sparked strong backlash from residents of Namyangju and Guri in Gyeonggi Province who use the line. Citizens strongly criticized the move as clear 'reverse discrimination' against Gyeonggi residents under the pretext of 'alleviating congestion for Seoul citizens,' describing it as a one-sided administrative overreach.
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