Seoul Invests Over 4 Trillion Won to Upgrade Subway Services

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Following the decision to adjust public transport fares, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen management rationalisation and enhance passenger services across its subway network. With an investment of approximately 4.1588 trillion won earmarked specifically for the subway system through 2026, the city aims to translate fare adjustments directly into tangible improvements for commuters.

The initiative follows a review by the price policy committee and focuses on upgrading aging infrastructure, introducing advanced monitoring technology, and improving accessibility for all passengers across the network operated by Seoul Metro.

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Management Rationalisation and Financial Strategy

To prepare for future changes in operational environments, the city is reinforcing its management rationalisation efforts. Between this year and 2026, Seoul aims to secure a total of 8801 billion won through self-generated efforts encompassing increased revenues, cost reductions, and workforce efficiency. These funds will be reinvested directly into necessary facility upgrades and service enhancements.

Specific targets include achieving 33.6 billion won in annual savings through work system improvements and generating an additional 6.7 billion won per year from leasing, advertising, and other yields. Furthermore, the city plans to secure 1200 billion won by selling non-core assets and cut operational costs by 598 billion won annually through streamlined procurement and reduced operational expenses.

Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Modernisation

A major portion of the budget, totaling 4.1 trillion won, is allocated toward replacing aging subway cars and elevator facilities. By 2026, the city will introduce 1,176 new rolling stock units. These modern trains will feature fine dust and noise reduction devices, alongside updated guidance display systems and essential equipment.

In addition to the trains, older station facilities such as elevators and ticket gates are undergoing systematic improvements. Elevators will be replaced or renovated before reaching their replacement cycles to safeguard passenger security. Furthermore, manual ticket gates on lines 1 through 4 operated by Seoul Metro will be converted into automatic flap-type gates, with 324 locations scheduled for replacement this year.

Enhanced Safety and Passenger Accessibility

High-definition CCTV monitoring systems will be fully installed inside all train carriages by 2026. Stations will also receive integrated monitoring systems to track crowd congestion, accident occurrences, and other safety-related statuses, supporting field staff in route management and congestion reporting.

To assist passengers with transport vulnerabilities, new facilities and environmental updates are underway. Hearing loop systems will be installed in new train cars to help passengers with hearing impairments clearly hear onboard announcements, and priority seats for pregnant passengers will be expanded in width. Standardised braille blocks and guiding signboards are also being reorganized.

The city is working to achieve 100% completion of the 'one station, one route' barrier-free initiative by 2024. Out of 337 stations, 320 currently feature a single continuous accessible route, while construction and design work are underway for the remaining 17 stations. Additional public services include a 10-minute re-boarding transfer application, improved arrival destination information inside trains, and an AI chatbot civil complaint consultation service.