KTX and SRT to Begin Integrated Operations on Sept. 1; "Safety and Convenience to Be Thoroughly Reviewed"

[Financial News] As KTX and SRT are set to begin integrated operations on Sept. 1, the government will focus on inspecting safety vulnerabilities that could arise during the integration process, including new routes and rolling stock.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on the 27th that it has been working with KORAIL and SR Corporation to prepare for the integrated operation of KTX and SRT trains, with a focus on safety and passenger convenience.
The ministry and the two operators have analyzed newly introduced routes and changing work conditions through labor-management-government consultative bodies and meetings with frontline staff, and have drawn up countermeasures.
First, the ministry strengthened driver training in preparation for KTX and SRT trains operating without distinction between their existing routes. KTX drivers will now run through routes previously served only by SRT, such as Yulhyeon Tunnel, while SRT drivers will operate on former KTX routes, including the section between Seoul Station and Geumcheon-gu Office Station. SRT drivers will also operate KTX-1 trains.
To that end, drivers were required to obtain certification for the new routes and rolling stock. For new trains, practical training was conducted with experienced KTX drivers on board to provide instruction. In anticipation of more train runs and increased coupled operations, the ministry is also stepping up training for coupling and uncoupling procedures, adding personnel, and improving information sharing between control centers and field operations.
Joint safety inspections by the government and specialized agencies are also under way. The ministry, together with KORAIL, SR Corporation, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, and outside experts, has checked compatibility among rolling stock, signaling and communications equipment, as well as train control and operational readiness. It has also carried out emergency response drills.
By the end of this month, the ministry plans to complete approval for changes to the railway safety management system resulting from the integration of KORAIL and SR Corporation. Even after integrated operations begin, multiple drivers will be assigned on some routes, and training conditions will continue to be inspected.
A task force for inspecting the launch of integrated high-speed rail operations, involving the ministry, KORAIL and SR Corporation, is also being operated. The task force will examine not only rail safety, but also issues such as coupling and uncoupling of trains, cleaning staff for rolling stock, and congestion at stations. It will also review passenger convenience measures, including preventing fraudulent bookings, holiday reservations, convenience facilities and customer information systems.
A joint on-site inspection will be conducted at Seoul Station on the 28th. The inspection will cover KTX-1 practical training, station guidance systems, and the control and emergency response systems at the Seoul Station local control center. During the early phase of integrated operations, ministry staff will also ride the trains in person to monitor service conditions and station use.
"The government will build a tightly coordinated cooperation system among relevant agencies so that there are no gaps in safety or service during the integration process, and it will comprehensively inspect and adjust overall operations to ensure the integrated service is stably carried out on the ground," said Kim Tae-byeong, director of the railway bureau at the ministry.
[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter