Yangsan City Metro begins test runs ahead of December opening

The Yangsan City Metro, slated for its grand opening in December, is set to commence commercial test runs on August 3. This crucial phase aims to identify and rectify any issues before the official launch, ensuring a smooth and reliable service for commuters.

The new metro line will span 11.43 kilometers, connecting Nopo Station in Busan's Geumjeong District to Bukjeong Station in Yangsan City. The route features seven stations and a dedicated depot. A significant aspect of the project is its integration with Busan's existing subway network, specifically Line 1 at Nopo Station. Additionally, a 100-meter-long connecting passage allows for easy pedestrian transfer between Yangsan Central Station on the Yangsan Metro and Yangsan Station on Busan's Line 2.

Operating as a single-track light rail system with rubber tires, the metro will utilize nine train sets, each composed of two cars. While a single car can accommodate 104 passengers, the train operates without an onboard driver, with all operations managed from the depot. The journey from Nopo Station to Bukjeong Station is expected to take 24 minutes, with trains running at intervals of 6 to 10 minutes. The trains were manufactured by Woojin Industrial Systems, which will also manage operations for the first five years through its subsidiary, Woojin Metro Yangsan. However, the connection section between Yangsan Central Station and Busan's Line 2 Yangsan Station will be operated by Busan Transportation Corporation.

Originally planned to open in March 2018, the Yangsan City Metro project experienced a five-year delay attributed to various factors, including revisions to the Sapsong district's urban planning. Gyeongnam Province officials expressed their commitment to providing safe, convenient, and dependable urban rail services, highlighting the metro's importance as a key piece of광역교통 infrastructure connecting Yangsan and Busan.