For the duration of the Paralympics, the government will keep the high-speed KTX train running on the Gyeonggang Line – connecting Seoul Station to Gangneung – 22 times from Monday through Thursday and 30 times from Friday through Sunday on one-way trips. (Image: Korail)
SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on March 5 it intends to roll out a variety of transportation measures for the upcoming 2018 Paralympics starting on March 9.
For the duration of the Paralympics, the government will keep the high-speed KTX train running on the Gyeonggang Line – connecting Seoul Station to Gangneung – 22 times from Monday through Thursday and 30 times from Friday through Sunday on one-way trips. These rides include nonstop one-way trips from Incheon International Airport to Gangneung.
The number of priority seats for the disabled will be increased from 5 to 15. These seats can be found in train compartments 1 and 2 where facilities for the disabled are located. Compartments 3 through 8 will each have 10 seats made available for advance reservations for non-disabled passengers.
KTX operator Korail will expand its assistance program for the disabled during this time, and is currently putting in place a collaborative system with outside organizations to ensure safe travel for foreign arrivals who are wheelchair-bound.
An airport lounge and “Fast Track” processing system for the disabled and the maintenance of handicap accessibility facilities at highway rest stops are additional steps being taken to prepare for the Paralympics.
For convenient travel within the vicinity of the Paralympic venues, 139 wheelchair-adapted vehicles and 48 low-floor buses are to be in operation.
U.S. athletes entering the athletes village (Image: Yonhap)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
