The Wirye Line tram will begin mainline test runs in February after completing preparations for operation on the route. Major infrastructure, including the depot and tracks, has been installed, and the project has entered its final verification phase ahead of opening. The tram marks the first return of street-level rail service to central Seoul in 58 years and is expected to signal a meaningful shift in the city’s urban transport landscape.
To support the testing program, the first tramset will be delivered to the depot early on the morning of the 27th. Delivery will take place during overnight hours when traffic is lighter, with traffic control measures and safety personnel deployed in coordination with relevant agencies to minimize inconvenience to residents. A total of 10 tramsets will be introduced sequentially by May, starting with the initial delivery.
From February, full-scale testing will be conducted on the operating route. Through August, 16 performance criteria, including running safety and integration with ground-based systems, will be evaluated. From April through December, integrated railway testing will further verify the stability and interoperability of facilities and systems. The vehicles have already completed more than 5,000 kilometers of preliminary testing at the Osong test track, completing the first stage of validation.
Because the tram operates on public roads, extensive safety measures will be in place. Safety personnel will be stationed at major intersections and crosswalks along the entire route, and a dedicated monitoring team will remain on standby to respond to unexpected situations. The test vehicles are insured to ensure preparedness in the event of an accident.
Pedestrians and drivers are urged to exercise extra caution during the testing period. Pedestrians should follow guidance from safety staff and traffic signals when crossing tram sections and crosswalks, while drivers should reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and observe traffic rules in shared roadway sections.
The city plans to establish a safe and reliable operating environment through thorough testing and verification, positioning the Wirye Line as a stable and valuable addition to the public transportation network.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
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