Table of Contents
- Yangsan Line, confirmed to be run by private operator WooJin Sanjeon
- The process leading up to the selection of WooJin Sanjeon
- Preparation for test runs and comprehensive railway testing
- Goals for the opening of the Yangsan Line and route overview
- Conclusion: A concerted effort toward a stable opening
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yangsan Line, confirmed to be run by private operator WooJin Sanjeon
The operator of the Yangsan Urban Railway (Yangsan Line), which connects Nopo Station of Busan Metro Line 1 and Bukjeong-dong in Yangsan City, has finally been decided. WooJin Sanjeon, which applied solely in the re-recruitment announcement held in August, passed the proposal evaluation committee on September 1 and was selected as the negotiator for private consignment operation.
This news is seen as positive, alleviating concerns about delays in the opening schedule. Notably, since WooJin Sanjeon is the manufacturer of the trains that will be deployed on the Yangsan Line and has experience operating the Uiwang New Line in Seoul, it is evaluated to have demonstrated stable operating capabilities. This background raises great expectations for the successful opening of the Yangsan Line in the future.
The process leading up to the selection of WooJin Sanjeon
As of August 14, Yangsan City re-opened the recruitment for a private operator, but only WooJin Sanjeon submitted a bid. This led to concerns that if a negotiator was not selected based on the evaluation results, a third round of recruitment might be necessary, raising the possibility of delays in the opening schedule.
However, in the evaluation committee held on September 1, WooJin Sanjeon received high scores with the proposal to "deploy up to 170 personnel for manual operations until stabilization," ultimately being selected as the negotiator. Consequently, the main negotiations are expected to be completed by the end of October, followed by the signing of the final contract.
Preparation for test runs and comprehensive railway testing
Some sections of the Yangsan Line have already begun test runs. Test operations are being conducted on the sections from Naesong Station towards Busan and Yangsan City Hall Station towards Ulsan using two electric trains brought into the vehicle depot last May. In October, test runs are scheduled to expand to all sections.
During the test run process, over 5000 km of driving will be conducted to validate vehicle linkage tests, ground and car defect verifications, and driverless operation performance tests. After that, starting in February next year, railway comprehensive tests led by the Korea Transport Safety Authority are expected to commence. This comprehensive test will last about seven months and must pass all three stages to be ready for opening.
Goals for the opening of the Yangsan Line and route overview
Yangsan City aims to open the line between September and October 2026. However, the actual opening schedule may change depending on the results of the comprehensive tests and negotiations.
The Yangsan Line is a single-line light rail with a total length of 11.431 km and a project cost of approximately 796.2 billion won. The line consists of a total of seven stations, including Naesong Station, Sasong Station, Yangsan City Hall Station, and Bukjeong Station, starting from Nopo Station. In particular, as it will be operated as the world's first single-line driverless light rail, it will face technological challenges. However, with WooJin Sanjeon's expertise and personnel deployment plan, stable operation is expected.
Once the Yangsan Line opens, it is anticipated to bring significant changes to local transportation.
Conclusion: A concerted effort toward a stable opening
The Yangsan Line is an important mode of transportation connecting the areas of Busan, Ulsan, and Yangsan. Its opening is expected to enhance mobility between regions and contribute to balanced development.
Currently, a private operator has been selected, and the next step is to successfully conduct the test runs and comprehensive railway tests. The Busan Transportation Corporation and the operating company WooJin Sanjeon are planning to complete this process smoothly. If they work together effectively, citizens will be able to use the first train of the Yangsan Line in the fall of 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How was the private operator for the Yangsan Line selected?
WooJin Sanjeon was selected as the private operator following a sole bid.
The selection of the Yangsan Line operator was decided when WooJin Sanjeon, which applied alone in the re-recruitment notice in August, passed the evaluation committee on September 1. WooJin Sanjeon has been recognized for its stable operating capability based on its experience in manufacturing electric trains and operating the Uiwang New Line. During the negotiation process, it received high acclaim for presenting a plan that included deploying up to 170 personnel for manual operations, and the main negotiations and contract signing are to be completed by the end of October.
Q. What procedures will the test runs and comprehensive railway testing of the Yangsan Line follow?
After over 5000 km of driving tests, comprehensive railway tests will be conducted to complete the opening preparations.
The Yangsan Line began test runs in some sections from May and plans to expand to all sections in October. The test runs will include vehicle linkage tests, defect verifications, and driverlessness operation performance tests while covering over 5000 km of driving. Starting next February, comprehensive railway tests led by the Korea Transport Safety Authority will be conducted over a period of about seven months, and all three stages must be passed before opening can take place.
Q. What are the target opening dates and an overview of the Yangsan Line route?
Targeting an opening in September to October 2026, it is a single-line driverless light rail extending a total of 11.431 km with seven stations.
The Yangsan Line is a single-line light rail extending 11.431 km from Nopo Station to Bukjeong Station, connecting a total of seven stations. It will be operated as the world's first single-line driverless light rail, with a project cost of approximately 796.2 billion won. The anticipated opening time is between September and October 2026, but it may vary according to comprehensive test results and ongoing negotiation situations. The opening of the line is expected to play a significant role in improving regional traffic and the metropolitan transportation network.
Q. Why is WooJin Sanjeon considered suitable for operating the Yangsan Line?
They have proven stable operating capabilities with experience in manufacturing electric trains and operating the Uiwang New Line.
WooJin Sanjeon is the manufacturer of the trains that will be deployed on the Yangsan Line and has the experience of operating the Uiwang New Line in Seoul. This technical capability and operational track record raise expectations for stable operation of the driverless light rail on the Yangsan Line. Additionally, during the negotiations, it showed commitment to preparing for expected technical challenges by proposing a plan to conduct manual operations with a maximum of 170 personnel in the initial operating phase.
Q. What changes in local transit are anticipated after the opening of the Yangsan Line?
Significantly improved convenience for movement between Busan, Ulsan, and Yangsan will contribute to regional development.
The opening of the Yangsan Line is expected to facilitate movement between Busan Metro Line 1 and Bukjeong-dong in Yangsan City, significantly improving transportation across the three regions. The expansion of the transport network is anticipated not only to shorten commutes but also to positively impact balanced regional development and increases in real estate values. If the local government and the operator collaborate for a stable opening, citizens will be able to conveniently use the Yangsan Line starting in the fall of 2026.
