Busan Transportation Corporation (BTC) is expanding rush-hour capacity on its urban rail network as rising international oil prices driven by Middle East instability increase commuting costs for citizens. The move aims to encourage public transit use and ease the financial burden of high fuel prices on residents.
BTC announced on Monday that it will implement special transportation measures in line with the government's alternate-day driving restrictions for public institution vehicles and every-fifth-day restrictions at public parking lots, both taking effect Tuesday.
The corporation will add a total of 16 daily train runs across metro Lines 1 through 3 during rush hours. The additions break down to four extra runs each on Lines 1 and 2 and eight on Line 3. BTC said the preemptive capacity expansion is designed to meet a surge in public transit demand as private vehicle use is curtailed.
Safety management will also be strengthened. BTC plans to deploy metro security officers and public service personnel at Seomyeon Station and Yeonsan Station, two of the network's busiest hubs, to manage passenger flow and maintain order.
The corporation will run parallel campaigns to promote public transit use. A month-long "Urban Rail Ridership Campaign" will take place at major stations throughout April, and on April 15, BTC will hold a joint campaign with the Busan Metropolitan Bus Transport Business Association to mark World Public Transport Day.
"The role of public transportation has become even more important amid high oil prices," BTC President Lee Byung-jin said. "We will do our utmost to ensure stable operations so that citizens can use the metro safely and conveniently."