Light Rail Transit Projects in Seoul

Seoul, Korea, is continuously making efforts to realize a sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation system. This article describes how a light rail transit system will contribute to these efforts. Seoul is undertaking various measures to increase the modal share of public transportation to 70% by 2020, focusing particularly on expanding the urban railway system. The Seoul metropolitan area operates a 644 km long urban railway over 18 routes. An additional 8 lines connecting to Seoul are currently under construction. The total length of the lines will be 163 km. They will be opened in phases beginning in 2008. Within Seoul, seven light rail transit (LRT) lines are planned. The total length of the seven new LRT lines is 74 km, including 6 trunk lines that connect main subway stations, subcenters of the city or regional centers. Seoul plans to initiate construction in phases after 2009 and will open one or two new lines each year from 2013. It is hoped that more than 600,000 people will use the lines each day, reducing traffic congestion and facilitating balanced development of the city.