'Seoul Heavy Rain Warning' Seoul Subway and Bus Public Transportation Increase Service... 'Peak Dispatch Time' Extended by 30 Minutes

Severe Cold Warning Issued in Seoul Area, Roads Near Rivers Closed
Real-Time Bus Schedule Delay Updates via BIT and TOPIS Due to Increased Detour Traffic

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As a heavy rain warning has been issued across Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 30th that it will implement emergency transportation measures to minimize inconvenience for citizens during commuting hours.

Since many citizens are expected to use public transportation due to the rain starting from early morning, Seoul will increase the frequency of public transportation during peak commuting hours. The morning peak dispatch time will be extended from the usual 7:00-9:00 AM to 7:00-9:30 AM, and the evening peak dispatch time will be extended from the usual 6:00-8:00 PM to 6:00-8:30 PM, each extended by 30 minutes.

For the subway, lines 5 to 8 will operate 12 additional trips during the morning commute. If the heavy rain warning continues, 6 additional trips will be added during the evening commute. All buses will also extend their peak dispatch times by 30 minutes during commuting hours. However, if many vehicles are detouring due to road closures, dispatch may be delayed. Therefore, public transportation operation status will be provided through bus information terminals (BIT) at stops and the TOPIS website.

Seoul requested citizens to check the status of road closure sections as the water levels of the Han River and other streams are rising due to the heavy rain. As of 7:00 AM, road conditions include full closure of the Dongbu Expressway, Bulgwacheon-gil (under Jeungsan Bridge), Yangjaecheon-ro, and Seobu Expressway. Citizens using these sections should verify public transportation options.

Meanwhile, Seoul is operating a situation room to provide updates on public transportation and road closures, and will maintain emergency duty until the heavy rain warning is lifted to respond in real time. Baek Ho, Director of Urban Transportation at Seoul City, said, “As heavy rain continues across Seoul in a short period, we ask citizens to check road conditions and use public transportation for safe travel,” adding, “We will do our best to support citizen mobility to minimize inconvenience during commuting.”

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