820 vehicles delayed, including Line 1, 20 canceled
“I’m late to work” Citizens experience inconvenience on their way to work
Seoul Transportation Corporation union approves strike
Due to the impact of the National Railroad Workers’ Union (Railroad Workers’ Union)’s struggle to comply with the law (sabotage) on the 18th, some subway trains in the metropolitan area, including Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 3 and the Suin Bundang Line, were delayed for up to an hour and about 20 trains were canceled. Citizens experienced great inconvenience on their way to and from work, and alternative means of transportation, such as buses, were also affected throughout the day.
According to KORAIL on this day, as of 6 p.m., a total of 820 trains in the metropolitan area were delayed by more than 10 minutes. There were about 380 trains delayed by 10 to 20 minutes, and about 440 trains delayed by more than 20 minutes. The Gyeongin Line (Line 1) express train scheduled to depart Yongsan at 9:28 a.m. was delayed by 61 minutes.
When the train was delayed, about 20 trains, including Line 1, Gyeongwon Line, Suin Bundang Line, and Ilsan Line, were canceled to maintain intervals. However, all KTX and regular trains (Mugunghwa, ITX Saemaeul, etc.) operated normally.
As trains were delayed, confusion arose on citizens’ way to work. Mr. Yoo, an office worker who uses the Suin Bundang Line from Guryong Station to Wangsimni Station when commuting to work, said, “The distance is usually 15 minutes, but it took an hour because it stopped for 5 minutes at each stop to wait for a signal.” Posts from citizens complaining of inconvenience also poured in on social networking services (SNS). Test taker A said, “I had to go to Seoul in the morning for a college entrance interview schedule, but I changed my reservation to an express bus because I was afraid the train would be delayed.” Mr. B, an office worker, said, “I took the Line 1 train to Seoul at 8 a.m. to go to work, but I was told I would be 20 minutes late, so I went to the bus stop.” said.
Previously, the railroad union announced that it would conduct a five-day shutdown from the 18th to the 22nd, demanding △conversion to 4 groups and 2 shifts, △a flat 2.5% increase in basic pay, △supplement of insufficient manpower, and △cessation of outsourcing manpower reduction. If their demands are not accepted, they plan to hold a general meeting on the 25th and then start a general strike early next month.
Meanwhile, 71% of the Seoul Transportation Corporation’s first labor union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) voted in favor of the strike held from the 15th to this day. The union plans to hold a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall at 10:30 a.m. on the 19th and reveal the specific strike schedule. The Seoul Transportation Corporation operates Seoul Subway Lines 1 to 8, so if a strike occurs, citizens will experience inconvenience again.
Reporter Oh Seung-jun [email protected]
Reporter Song Jin-ho [email protected]
rnrn
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
-
- I’m angry
- 0dog
- I recommend it
- dog
Hot news now
How do public transport disruptions in major cities affect the local economy and commuters’ daily lives?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Transportation Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning! Today we’re discussing the recent transportation disruption in Seoul, stemming from the Railroad Workers’ Union’s decision to strike. Joining me is Dr. Kim Joon-seok, a transportation expert with years of experience analyzing urban mobility trends. Welcome, Dr. Kim!
Dr. Kim (DK): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. On the 18th of this month, we reported that over 820 vehicles were delayed and about 20 trains were canceled, particularly affecting subway lines 1, 3, and the Suin Bundang Line. How significant is this percentage in terms of overall daily ridership in Seoul?
DK: It’s quite significant. Seoul’s subway system sees millions of passengers daily. A disruption that results in 820 trains delayed means that a considerable number of commuters—potentially hundreds of thousands—experienced delays, which can create a ripple effect across the entire transportation network.
TNE: Indeed. For perspective, some citizens were quoted expressing frustrations—one reported a typical 15-minute commute turned into an hour due to waiting at signals. What do you think the emotional and economic implications are for those who rely on public transport?
DK: The frustrations are understandable. For many, a reliable public transport system is crucial for maintaining their work schedule and personal commitments. These delays not only affect their mental wellbeing but could also have economic impacts, particularly for those paid by the hour or who have strict attendance policies. Missed work can lead to reduced wages or even job loss.
TNE: As the situation seems to be escalating, with a potential general strike looming, what do you perceive as the root causes of this unrest among railroad workers?
DK: The issues stem from a mix of insufficient manpower and demands for better working conditions. Workers are calling for a shift to a more manageable work schedule, a basic pay increase, and an end to excessive outsourcing. These factors undermine their ability to maintain a reliable service, which, as we’re witnessing, ultimately affects the commuter experience.
TNE: You mentioned the importance of addressing the workers’ demands. If the strike goes ahead as planned, what can the city do to mitigate the chaos that could ensue?
DK: The city could implement contingency measures by increasing bus services, deploying temporary shuttle services, and ensuring clear communication with the public regarding alternative transportation options. It’s also vital for city officials to engage in dialogue with the unions to find a resolution before the situation escalates further.
TNE: Communication is key. Citizens are already turning to social media to express their discontent. Has this trend of public grievances on platforms like SNS changed the way officials respond to such situations?
DK: Absolutely! Social media has become a powerful tool for citizens. Authorities are more likely to respond quickly when public sentiment is vocalized online. This means that engaging with commuters’ concerns becomes critical for officials to maintain trust and credibility.
TNE: Great insights, Dr. Kim. if you could offer one piece of advice to commuters facing these disruptions, what would it be?
DK: Stay informed and be flexible. Monitor real-time updates on transport services, consider alternative routes, and allow for extra travel time. Furthermore, engaging with your local representatives regarding these issues can help reinforce the necessity for urgent improvements in the transportation network.
TNE: That’s valuable advice! Thank you so much, Dr. Kim, for joining us today and sharing your expertise on this pressing issue.
DK: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a swift resolution to these challenges.
TNE: And there you have it, a deeper dive into the transportation woes in Seoul and what lies ahead for its commuters. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story!