Since the integration of KTX and SRT services, the average daily ridership on high-speed rail has increased by 34,000 compared to the previous year. The government estimates that fare reductions and expanded discounts have lowered transportation costs by approximately 22.8 billion won ($19.5 million) in September alone.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), from September 1 to 27, the average daily ridership on high-speed rail rose by 11.9% compared to the same period last year. The increase in ridership on the Suseo Line was particularly notable, at 27.8%, surpassing the overall growth rate.
Following the integration, Suseo Station has increased its seat supply by about 16,000 seats per day, a 30% rise. The number of train services has also increased by 10, resulting in a 4 percentage point decrease in the seat occupancy rate.
Before the integration, KORAIL had announced plans to add approximately 15,000 seats on weekdays and up to 17,000 on weekends, with a 30% increase in Suseo Line seating. The actual seat supply at Suseo Station in September aligned closely with these initial plans.
Regular commuters and students using monthly passes saw an average increase of 25.2%. With 23 additional weekday services and 26 on weekends, the average interval between trains on routes such as Jeolla, Donghae, and Gyeongjeon has been reduced by 4 minutes. A new route via Seodaejeon and Gupo has also commenced operations.
Fares have decreased by an average of about 10% due to the integration. Mileage accumulation has been applied to KTX services departing from Suseo, and public discounts for pregnant women and youth have been expanded. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport projects that transportation costs will decrease by about 22.8 billion won monthly, amounting to an estimated annual savings of around 280 billion won.
Transfer discounts between high-speed and regular trains have also been expanded to include all high-speed trains. The average daily number of transfer passengers has increased by 64.9%, with approximately 3,700 additional passengers benefiting from transfer discounts.
KORAIL has also restructured its subsidiaries, consolidating five existing companies into a single entity focused on customer service, distribution and logistics, and maintenance. KORAIL is currently working on ten service improvement initiatives, including enhancing convenience store services at stations, modernizing cleaning processes, expanding luggage storage areas, and strengthening safety at railway crossings.
Hong Ji-seon, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "We will do our utmost to create a safe and convenient travel environment that the public can truly feel, based on the strength of our unified integrated railway system."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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