In a bid to enhance crowd control and improve commute times for Seoul’s daily commuters, Seoul Metro has announced plans to augment subway services on lines 4 and 7 during peak hours, starting Wednesday. This move is aimed at addressing the excessive passenger congestion experienced during the morning and evening rush hours.
During peak hours in the morning, Line 4 will witness the addition of two extra rides between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., a time slot that sees heavy traffic, particularly between Sungshin Women’s University Station and Hansung University Station, where congestion rates have reached 150.1 percent. The introduction of these additional rides is expected to reduce the congestion rate to approximately 135.1 percent.
Similarly, to alleviate evening rush hour congestion, Line 7 will also receive two additional rides. The segment between Gasan Digital Complex Station and Cheolsan Station, which experiences high congestion rates of up to 157 percent from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., is expected to see a reduction in congestion to around 134.6 percent with the implementation of the extra services.
Beyond these immediate adjustments, Seoul Metro has disclosed plans to further expand services on both lines 4 and 7, with the ultimate goal of maintaining congestion rates below 150 percent at all times. This is part of the company’s long-term strategy to ensure a more comfortable and efficient commuting experience for all passengers.
Additionally, Seoul Metro is exploring innovative solutions to tackle overcrowding, including the introduction of artificial intelligence technology designed to accurately measure congestion levels. This technology will play a crucial role in the strategic planning of crowd control measures, enabling more precise and effective adjustments to service schedules based on real-time data.
Seoul Metro’s proactive approach not only benefits local residents by enhancing their daily commutes but also improves the overall travel experience for tourists navigating the city. Efficient public transport systems make urban areas more accessible and appealing to international visitors, fostering the local tourism industry. By ensuring smoother transit during peak times, Seoul Metro is contributing to Seoul’s reputation as a top global travel destination.
