KTX and SRT will merge operations under the KTX brand starting September 1. The government plans to enhance safety management, increase seat availability, reduce fares, and launch a unified reservation service.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on August 31 that it has completed the integration of Korail and SR, and will operate KTX and SRT trains as KTX from September 1.
As a result of the integration, approximately 15,000 additional seats will be available on weekdays, and up to 17,000 on weekends. Seats on the Suseo line will increase by about 30%. KTX fares will be adjusted to match the current SRT rates, resulting in an average fare reduction of 10%, and a 5% mileage accumulation will apply to payments on the Suseo line.
Reservation convenience will also improve. The separate reservation apps 'Korail Talk' and 'SRT' will be merged into a single app, 'Korail+', allowing users to search for all trains at once.
The government emphasizes safety during the initial phase of integration, enhancing on-site inspections. Joint checks will be conducted before and after the launch to address issues such as train delays, crew training, and crowd management at stations. An emergency response team will also be operational until the end of the year.
The integrated organization will temporarily establish a 'Unified Project Management Division' within Korail to take over SR's operations. SR employees will be offered comprehensive employment succession under existing working conditions.
While the integration of high-speed rail is expected to improve fare, seating, and reservation convenience, the stability of initial operations and management of crowding will be key factors affecting user experience.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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