Seoul Subway to Introduce 'Wireless Communication Signaling System'... Congestion to Be Reduced by 20%

Detecting Train Locations via Wireless Communication... Easing Congestion
Sequential Adoption on Ui-Sinseol Line in 2032, Followed by Lines 9 and 2
"Innovative Technology Introduced for Smoother Commutes"

A wireless communication-based train control system that can track the real-time location of trains and reduce intervals between them to lower congestion will be sequentially introduced, starting with the Ui-Sinseol Line in Seoul in 2032, followed by Line 9 and Line 2.

On March 26, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the 'Urban Railway Congestion Improvement Innovation Plan,' which aims to change the subway operation paradigm by improving the signaling system. The city plans to reduce congestion by more than 20% on average without excessive investment or major facility upgrades.

The core of the newly announced innovation plan is to convert the existing track circuit-based subway signaling system to a wireless communication-based signaling system.

Currently, most domestic railway lines use the track circuit system, which detects train locations by sending electrical signals along track sections. However, this system only recognizes train locations by section, which limits the ability to reduce intervals between trains while ensuring safety.

In contrast, the wireless communication system precisely detects the real-time location of trains through wireless communication between trains and the control center, and dynamically controls safe distances based on train movements. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, this enables significantly shorter intervals between trains, leading to about a 20% increase in transport capacity and reduced congestion. Additionally, because the track circuit—prone to signal failures—is not used, system breakdowns can be reduced and operational stability improved.

In Korea, the Sillim Line currently operates using KTCS-M, a Korean-type wireless communication system, and Incheon Subway Line 1 is also planning to switch to a wireless communication-based system. Major global cities such as New York and London are actively adopting this technology as well. KTCS-M is a domestically developed wireless communication-based signaling system, successfully localized as part of a national R&D project and completed in 2014.

Operators of lines that use certain overseas track circuit systems have experienced difficulties, including unstable part supplies due to manufacturer issues, higher maintenance costs, and excessive repair periods when signal failures occur.

The city will first introduce the wireless communication signaling system on the Ui-Sinseol Line, where morning congestion exceeds 160%, and then gradually expand it to Line 9 and Line 2. Based on the results of a review conducted in the first half of this year, the city will begin detailed design for the Ui-Sinseol Line, install both ground and onboard equipment, and complete the project in time for the opening of the line extension in 2032.

For Line 9, which is scheduled for a phased transition to wireless communication, morning congestion at Noryangjin Station reaches 182.5%, while Sadang Station on Line 2 reaches 150.4%. A congestion level of 100% corresponds to full capacity, and levels above 150% indicate tightly packed conditions.

Jangkwon Yeo, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Transportation Bureau, stated, "Subway congestion is an issue directly affecting citizens' lives, and we must improve it by adopting innovative technologies like wireless communication systems rather than relying solely on expanding infrastructure. We will continue our efforts to innovate public transportation for smoother commuting experiences."

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