Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pkang0202]

Lately, I've noticed that the intervals in which the subways and buses run make no sense whatsoever.

You'll get a train/bus go by, then you wait a long time before the next one. When the next one does come, you see that there is another bus/train 2 minutes behind that one.

With buses, I can understand some delay, but how the hell does THIS make any sense:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2j10oih.png

Lets delay one bus for a long time, and then send 3 of them one after another.


With subways, I just don't see how you can have a 8 minute gap between between train 1 and 2, and then a 2 minute gap between 2-3, and 3-4.

[nathanrutledge]

Subways are very easy to get off the time table. Consider -

The trains have a set speed limit they cannot exceed.
The stations are anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes apart within Seoul city limits.
The doors are open long enough to let people on and off the train.
The trains have individuals that drive them.

So, for example, you have a train coming into Noksapyeong station. There are an unusually large number of passengers, and they are getting on and off a bit staggered. The driver, who controls the doors, holds them open an additional 10 seconds over what he normally does. As Itaewon station is a mere 600 meters away, it's only a 30-45 second drive. When he gets into that station, the same thing happens - extra people, a few extra seconds, etc.

This can really add up, especially on lines that are busier than 6. Think about Sadang to Dongdaemun on line 4 - short distance with many stops. By the time you reach Hyehwa, the trains are back to back.

The other thing to consider with trains is that you have stations like Dongdaemun, or Sindorim, or Gangnam, where, during rush hour, you have so many people that they double up the trains to clear the station. Those trains then have to speed up/slow down to get apart. Hence, more odd times.

[pkang0202]

[Julius]

Its not only the scheduling, its the fact that the subway is permanently and deliberately overcrowded. Too many passengers.

I don't mind standing but when you have to do so for the entirety of every journey (2 hours +) because there are never any seats available then ...


Its just greed and profiteering. They need more trains, especially at peak times. Like they used to have.

[motiontodismiss]

It's not only that, but it's the fact that the Greater Seoul Metro Area is deliberately and permanently overpopulated. Too many people.

The population in the Seoul Metro Area needs to go down, and that means balanced economic development of ALL regions in the country.

Overcrowded subways and strain on infrastructure is what happens when you have half the entire country's population living in a single city.

Just as a reference, Greater Tokyo's population is 25% of the entire population of Japan. Greater London/Paris are both around 20%. Greater Toronto ~13%. Moscow around 12%. Greater NY is ~7%. Greater Beijing/Shanghai combined are like 2%.

Yes I realize some of those cities aren't comparable to Seoul, being the economic hub and capital (compares better to London/Paris/Tokyo though), but 20 million in an area the size of Rhode Island is the root cause of most problems in Seoul.

[pkang0202]

Its a simple idea really...


Have the buses and trains run at consistent intervals. That way, you won't have a bus or train packed full of people, while the one right behind it is empty.


SHOCK!

[motiontodismiss]

[Julius]

[GoldMember]

Stop Complaining. Its a very cheap service. What you pay for is what you get. You want a 5 star service, pay 5 star prices.

[pkang0202]

[rainman3277]

there are apps you can get for android and apple devices that list the time subways arrive at each stop and they are 90% of the time bang on. finding this app has made the subway a lot more tolerable since i just need to look at the time it'll arrive at my stop and I go there.

[alongway]

[northway]

[jvalmer]

[pkang0202]