Daegu Anshilryeon Strongly Opposes Metro Line 4 Monorail-to-AGT Switch... Changed by Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo

Damage to Urban Landscape and Sunlight Rights
Project Should Be Completely Halted Until Next Year's Election

The Daegu Citizens' Coalition for Safety and Living (Daegu Anshilryeon) issued a statement on the 27th, strongly opposing Daegu City's unilateral decision to change the vehicle system for Metro Line 4 from the existing monorail method to the AGT (Automated Guideway Transit, steel wheel light rail) system. The coalition demanded an immediate halt to the project and a return to the original monorail plan.

The coalition stated, "Daegu City is pushing ahead with the AGT system (environmental impact assessment briefing) while thoroughly disregarding the opinions of transportation experts and the results of public hearings with local residents. However, this decision is completely at odds with public opinion as well as the future of the city."

Daegu Metro Line 4 Route Map

The coalition further argued, "The AGT system, due to its elevated structures, damages the urban landscape, infringes on sunlight rights, creates constant shade, and poses risks of icing accidents in winter, causing significant harm to citizens' daily lives. Even Incheon Line 2 has underground sections in urban areas, with only the outskirts above ground. Daegu City's unilateral push for elevated construction is a regressive decision that goes against current trends. The city has not even presented a clear solution to these issues."

According to a survey conducted by the coalition with 603 citizens, 96% demanded a reconsideration of the AGT system. The coalition claimed that even internal experts at the transportation corporation oppose the AGT, yet Daegu City is completely ignoring public opinion under the pretext of a "quick opening."

Daegu City has cited "type approval" as the reason why adopting the monorail system is impossible. However, this is an issue that can be addressed through amendments to the Railway Safety Act Enforcement Decree. Advanced countries such as the United Kingdom have also codified exception clauses for replacing identical models.

Since Line 4 is an extension of Line 3 and the supply of identical vehicles is a given, the introduction of a proviso in the enforcement decree is logically justified. The coalition argued that Daegu City's push for the AGT system without efforts to amend the law amounts to shirking responsibility.

The coalition stated, "The decision to switch Line 4 from a monorail to the AGT system was made based on the political judgment of former Mayor Hong Joonpyo and is merely a unilateral directive unrelated to transportation policy or urban planning. The acting mayor should immediately halt the AGT project until the new mayor takes office next year and promptly initiate a public discussion process that citizens can accept."

The coalition added, "Daegu City's actions constitute procedural violations, such as failing to properly conduct feasibility studies as required by the Local Finance Act and other regulations, and are deemed to significantly undermine the public interest. If our demands are not met, we will pursue a resident audit request and a resident lawsuit under the Local Autonomy Act."

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