Return after 58 years, rapid preparations for the opening of the Seoul Tram Wirye Line

The tram (streetcar) Wirye Line, which will run through Seoul's city center again after 58 years, is accelerating its final preparations for opening.

On the 6th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it is fully committed to the construction of urban railways and the preparation for vehicle test rides, aiming for the Wirye Line to open in September next year. Recently, it has passed traffic safety review by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, bringing the opening one step closer.

Currently, the construction progress of the Wirye Line is at 88%. Starting next month, the tram vehicles will undergo preliminary test runs for 5,000 km at the Osong Test Line in Chungbuk, and comprehensive test operations on the main Wirye Line are set to begin by the end of the year.

Once the final approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is obtained, actual passenger boarding will be possible.

Eco-friendly transportation connecting the city

Seoul Metro has established a subsidiary to operate the Wirye Line and recently commissioned 'Research for Activation of the Wirye Line Tram.'

This study will analyze the transportation and tourism conditions in areas affected by the Wirye Line, such as Songpa District, Seongnam City, and Hanam City, and will carry out tasks including activation plans for tram-linked transport, review of overseas cases, and establishment of promotional strategies.

The Wirye Line Tram was confirmed for introduction in 2008 as part of the large-scale traffic improvement plan for the Wirye New Town. Initially promoted as a private project, it was later converted to a public project, receiving basic plan approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2020 and breaking ground at the end of 2022.

The line was originally scheduled to open in September this year, but the opening has been delayed by about a year due to procedural delays such as traffic safety reviews.

Expansion of urban transportation network

The Wirye Line will operate a total distance of 5.4 km from Macheon Station on Subway Line 5 to Bokjeong Station and Namwirye Station on Line 8. It will have 12 stations and one vehicle maintenance depot, with ten sets of trains to be deployed.

The vehicles are designed with a super-low-floor structure, making it easy for the elderly and people with disabilities to use. Notably, instead of overhead wires, they are equipped with large-capacity batteries on the roof, utilizing eco-friendly energy sources.

The operational period of the Wirye Line is set for five years after opening, with an estimated operating cost of 119.5 billion won over that period. This cost will be shared between Seoul City (60.7%) and Seongnam City (39.3%) according to distance ratio.

Trams were first introduced to Seoul in 1899 and operated for about 70 years until 1968. With the opening of the Wirye Line, trams will return to Seoul after 58 years.

Image source: Wirye Line tram vehicle image / Seoul City, tvN 'Mr. Sunshine'