Seoul Subway Platform Gap and Step Height Information Now Available... Collaboration Between Seoul Metro and Kakao

Providing platform edge and step gap information for Seoul Subway Lines 1-8 stations on 'KakaoMap' to prevent safety accidents such as slips and wheel falls... Seoul Metro and Kakao sign business agreement to enhance mobility convenience for transportation-vulnerable groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Safe subway use for passengers including the transportation vulnerable will become possible.

Through the business cooperation between Seoul Metro and Kakao, information on platform gap and step difference has been displayed on the KakaoMap app since the 11th of last month. It is expected that passengers will be able to reduce accidents such as wheel slips by checking platform information in advance.

Information on platform gap and step difference is provided for 275 stations on lines 1 to 8 operated by the corporation.

To check the platform gap (distance between the train and the platform) and step difference information, enter the ‘KakaoMap’ app, select the desired station, and go to ‘Transportation Vulnerable Mobility Route Guide’ at the bottom.

In the case of platforms constructed in a curved shape due to track and station structure, the platform gap inevitably widens, causing safety accidents such as stroller or wheelchair wheels falling into the gap.

By using this KakaoMap feature, passengers can move in advance to doors with narrower platform gaps, preventing safety accidents.

Besides this, the corporation is doing its best to prevent safety accidents caused by wide platform gaps by implementing caution broadcasts, installing high-intensity warning lights, posting caution posters, and installing safety footboards.

This platform gap and step difference information provision feature was added as part of the business agreement between the corporation and Kakao signed in July. Since the corporation established an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management plan and strives for sustainable management activities, and Kakao has been enhancing digital information accessibility for the transportation vulnerable, they were able to join forces.

The corporation and Kakao will cooperate to advance mobility guidance services for the transportation vulnerable and improve service accessibility, and will continue to make steady efforts to promote the mobility rights of the transportation vulnerable.

The corporation supports information provision and content utilization for the safe movement of the transportation vulnerable and train users, while Kakao is responsible for service development, operation, and promotion.

The corporation provides public data related to convenience enhancement for the transportation vulnerable, such as platform gap and step difference, wheelchair-only seats, real-time operation status of platform facilities, subway restroom locations, real-time train operation information, and station status information. The disclosed public data is actively used for services promoting mobility rights of the transportation vulnerable, app development, startups, and academic papers.

Public data is opened in file and API formats.

The corporation operates a public data demand survey window on its website and strives to open high-quality public data centered on user demand.

Son Byunghee, Director of Management Support at Seoul Metro, said, “We expect that transportation vulnerable people such as the disabled and elderly will be able to use the subway more safely through the business agreement with Kakao,” and added, “The corporation will continue to strengthen public-private cooperation and do its best to provide various usage services for the transportation vulnerable.”

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