As Part of 'Social Distancing,' Some Weekend KTX Train Services Reduced

From the 28th, Saturday reduced by 30 trips, Sunday by 28 trips... Regular trains and weekday KTX remain unchanged

Weekend KTX Train Schedule Effective from the 28th. Provided by Korea Railroad

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will reduce the operation of KTX trains on weekends. This measure is intended to align with the government's 'social distancing' policy.

According to KORAIL on the 24th, the reduction of KTX train operations will begin on the 28th of this month. Following the adjustment of the operation plan, the number of KTX trains on weekends will be reduced by 30 on Saturdays and 28 on Sundays, respectively.

KORAIL has been operating additional KTX trains on weekends (Friday to Sunday), when passenger demand is usually high.

However, recently, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the government's social distancing campaign in response, the number of weekend train passengers has rather decreased compared to weekdays.

Therefore, KORAIL explained that it has decided to temporarily reduce some weekend KTX train operations.

However, regular trains and weekday KTX train operations will be maintained as usual. Regular trains such as Mugunghwa-ho, which are closely related to the public's livelihood, and weekday (Monday to Friday) KTX trains mainly used by business passengers commuting or on business trips will continue to operate as usual.

Additionally, KORAIL stated that KTX trains not operating on weekends will focus on disinfection and maintenance.

KORAIL plans to maintain for the time being the 'window seat priority assignment' implemented since the 27th of last month to ensure distancing between passengers, and the expansion of the 'free seating car' operation (from 194 to 374 cars) to encourage distancing among regular pass holders during commuting hours.

Hong Seung-pyo, head of KORAIL's Customer Marketing Division, said, "We have decided to partially reduce weekend KTX train operations to participate in social distancing and to focus on vehicle maintenance and disinfection," adding, "KORAIL will continue to make every effort to overcome COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.