Assemblyman Jeong Ji-gwon: "Subway Connecting Passage Elevator Convenience Facilities Only Increase Citizen Inconvenience"

Subway Connection Passage Elevator Convenience Facilities, 9 Locations Currently Inactive Due to Negligence by Private Operators... Assemblyman Jeong Ji-gwon Urges Strong Measures Including Strengthening Management Responsibility Regulations in Agreements and Management Transfer for Inactive Facilities Operators

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Jeong Ji-kwon, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Transportation Committee (Democratic Party, Seongdong 2), pointed out issues regarding the management of passenger convenience facilities in subway connecting passages during the 301st regular session while addressing Seoul Metro Corporation. He urged Seoul Metro Corporation, the entity responsible for subway management, to conduct more thorough management and supervision.

According to Councilor Jeong Ji-kwon, Seoul Metro Corporation has installed convenience facilities such as connecting passages, entrances, and elevators between subways and private buildings through agreements when necessary to enhance citizen convenience.

According to Seoul Metro Corporation, connecting passages equipped with passenger convenience facilities such as elevators and escalators exist at 49 locations across 41 stations, of which 32 locations are installed and maintained by private operators under agreements. However, although these connecting passages and passenger convenience facilities were initially installed based on development plans around stations to activate the use of newly constructed buildings and meet operators' needs, frequent cases of neglect by operators have led to some facilities being left unused and out of operation, increasing inconvenience for citizens.

Currently, passenger convenience facilities at 9 stations managed and operated by private operators are either out of service or restricted, leading to complaints and lawsuits between business owners and Seoul Metro Corporation.

Councilor Jeong Ji-kwon emphasized, "Even though private operators are responsible for maintenance, if the operation of passenger convenience facilities is suspended, the damage will be borne entirely by the users," adding, "Seoul Metro Corporation will also find it difficult to avoid controversy regarding management and supervision."

He further stated, "Seoul Metro Corporation should strengthen the agreement terms to ensure that operators are held responsible for maintaining passenger convenience facilities in connecting passages and face strong regulations in case of negligence," and pointed out, "Seoul Metro Corporation must strictly hold accountable those responsible for currently non-operational passenger convenience facilities, impose stronger sanctions such as management transfer and payment of enforcement fines for losses, and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future."

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