South Korea’s KTX and SRT high-speed rail services began test runs on regular commercial routes starting on the 30th, as the operators prepare for integrated operations planned for September.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korail and SR said the tests will support a pilot coupled operation that links KTX and SRT trainsets to run as a single train.
The test program will be conducted four times through May 14 to make final checks on safety and passenger convenience. Pilot coupled trains that passengers can ride are scheduled to begin service May 15.
Test runs are planned as one round trip each on these routes: Gwangju Songjeong Station↔Suseo Station on the 30th; Seoul Station↔Busan Station on May 6; Seoul Station↔Gwangju Songjeong Station on May 12; and Gwangju Songjeong Station↔Seoul Station on May 14.
Since the integrated high-speed rail roadmap was announced last December, Korail and SR have checked compatibility of trains, tracks and ticketing and other operating facilities. Since Feb. 25, they have also been running a pilot cross-service operation, with KTX trains serving Suseo Station and SRT trains serving Seoul Station.
The coupled operation goes a step beyond cross-service by physically linking KTX and SRT into one train. The two operators have conducted coupling and driving tests at depots and completed software updates and verification reflecting the results, they said.
During the test runs, staff from the ministry, Korail and SR will ride the trains to closely check whether key systems — including communications, braking and emergency controls — operate properly when integrated in real operating conditions.
Based on the results, the operators plan to refine the integrated operating system, proceed with the pilot coupled operation and finalize an optimal integrated service plan by September before launching operations.
Korail President Kim Tae-seung said the company is making thorough preparations for the pilot coupled operation so passengers can experience the safety and convenience of integrated high-speed rail service. He said the remaining steps will be carried out without setbacks to achieve a faster and safer integration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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