Strike set to begin with first buses Friday; commuter disruptions feared across Greater Seoul
Five subway lines to add runs; 98 city bus routes to extend peak-hour service
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced emergency transport measures Thursday after Gyeonggi Province bus unions declared a strike beginning with the first buses Friday, raising concerns about commuter disruptions for residents traveling between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
Seoul said it would expand alternative transport options to minimize inconvenience for commuters affected by the Gyeonggi bus strike.
The city plans to deploy additional trains on five subway lines — Lines 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 — that connect Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, adding a total of 23 runs during peak commuting hours.
Peak-hour service on 98 city bus routes passing through Gyeonggi Province will also be extended by one hour each way, expanding concentrated dispatch hours to 6–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.
If the strike drags on, Seoul said it would consider further expanding peak-hour service on affected routes as a follow-up measure.
"If the Gyeonggi bus strike goes ahead, commuters traveling between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will face significant inconvenience, and we will do our utmost to support transport by making full use of every available option," said Yeo Jang-gwon, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's transportation bureau. "We will closely monitor the strike situation and traffic conditions, and work in close coordination with relevant agencies to minimize disruption for commuters."
hajun825@heraldcorp.com
