Cumulative 4.1 million passengers from Suwon to Dongtan... 3.6 million achieved from Unjeong to Seoul Station in just 3 months!
As the GTX-A line celebrates its first anniversary, it has firmly established itself as a major means of transportation in the metropolitan area.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the total number of passengers accumulated between Suwon and Dongtan over the year reached 4.1 million, and 3.6 million were recorded using the segment from Unjeong Central to Seoul Station within just 3 months of opening.
In particular, commuting and leisure demand is concentrated around Seoul Station, Unjeong, and KINTEX, demonstrating the actual effects of transportation innovation brought about by the GTX-A. This change is significantly improving the transportation environment of the metropolitan area.
Unjeong to Seoul Station, Dongtan to Suwon... Surge in passengers
The GTX-A line officially opened on March 30, 2024, with the first operation between Suwon and Dongtan. Subsequently, on December 28, the segment from Unjeong Central to Seoul Station was also opened, achieving a total cumulative passenger count of 7.7 million. This further solidifies its central role in metropolitan transportation.
Notably, the number of passengers between Suwon and Dongtan surged dramatically from an average of 7,700 during the initial opening phase to over 16,000 currently. The segment from Unjeong Central to Seoul Station also recorded an average of 45,600 users within just 3 months, reaching a high usage rate of 91.1% of the forecasted figure. This growth highlights the increasing importance of the GTX-A line.
Peak commuting hours... Most crowded on Fridays
Analyzing user patterns reveals that the highest usage occurs on weekdays between 7 AM and 9 AM, and 5 PM to 7 PM, accounting for 41.3% of total users.
Especially on Fridays and Saturdays, usage rates significantly increase, and on weekends during major events at places like KINTEX, the number of weekend users has been recorded to exceed forecasts by 160%. This indicates that this means of transportation is positioned not just for commuting, but also as a means of travel for leisure activities.
The primary usage stations are led by Seoul Station at 31.4%, followed by Unjeong Central Station at 15.9% and KINTEX Station at 10.2%. These statistics demonstrate a strong demand for connections between Seoul, Paju, and Goyang.
Clear time reduction effects
The opening of the GTX-A line has greatly changed travel times.
For instance, the travel time from Paju Unjeong to Seoul Station previously took 46 minutes by subway and 66 minutes by bus, but using GTX-A has reduced it to only 22 minutes.
Additionally, the travel time from Dongtan to Suwon previously took 75 minutes using a metropolitan bus, but with GTX, it has been reduced to 21 minutes.
This rapid time reduction plays a crucial role in enhancing job accessibility and improving living conditions within the metropolitan area.
Continuing improvement efforts... Enhancing safety and convenience
Over the past year, GTX-A has safely operated a total of 2.78 million km, which is equivalent to approximately 70 laps around the Earth. This has significantly enhanced safety.
Furthermore, investments to improve convenience, such as ▲increasing operation frequency ▲installing additional entrances/exits ▲establishing connecting transport networks (e.g., PBRT, connecting buses, connecting roads, etc.) are continuously being made.
In particular, the interval between trains from Unjeong Central to Seoul Station is set to be reduced from 10 minutes to 6.25 minutes starting March 2025, effectively contributing to easing congestion during peak commuting hours.
Future plans... Construction of Changneung Station, Samsung Station scheduled for full opening in 2028
Key projects for the completion of the GTX-A line are being smoothly advanced.
Changneung Station is scheduled to begin construction in March 2025, which is expected to greatly enhance transportation convenience for residents of the Changneung new town. Samsung Station will undergo non-stop passage until 2026, with full opening planned for 2028. Once connected to Samsung Station, the GTX-A line will become a vital transportation network that perfectly links major axes of the metropolitan area.
In just one year, the GTX-A has established itself as an icon of transportation innovation, bringing about revolutionary changes to the transportation, economy, and living patterns of the metropolitan area, beyond just being a simple railway line. With the completion of Changneung Station and Samsung Station, GTX-A is expected to play a central role in leading a major transformation in metropolitan transportation.
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