SRT Introduces "Companion Seating" Next to Wheelchair-Accessible Seats
by Choi Seoyoon
Published 20 Oct.2025 11:23(KST)
Updated 19 Nov.2025 22:42(KST)
Three Seats Designated Next to Wheelchair-Accessible Seats
Ensuring the Right to Travel Together
On October 20, SR, the operator of Suseo High-Speed Rail (SRT), announced the introduction of a "Companion Seating System" that allows wheelchair users and their companions to sit together.
Previously, only wheelchair seats were available on the train, and there were no designated seats for companions, which caused significant inconvenience. This new system was established to address and reduce such discomfort.
SR has designated three seats (12A, 12B, 12C) next to the wheelchair seats in SRT cars 1 and 11 as companion-only seats. When booking a wheelchair seat, if the passenger selects the option to be accompanied by a companion, the adjacent seat is automatically assigned. These seats cannot be reserved by general passengers who are not wheelchair users with severe or mild disabilities.
Measures have also been put in place to prevent abuse of the system. If it is confirmed that a companion seat was reserved fraudulently or the travel section was arbitrarily changed, up to 30 times the regular fare will be charged in accordance with Article 10 of the Railroad Business Act.
SR CEO Lee Jongguk stated, "We introduced the companion seating system to protect the rights and improve the convenience of transportation-vulnerable passengers, as well as to address service blind spots," adding, "We will continue to improve our systems to foster a culture of consideration and companionship in rail travel."
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