Seoul has become quite a popular place to visit. Seoul has an extensive transportation system that helps people to reach their destinations on time. However, the Seoul subway recently witnessed a minor incident turn into a major commotion. During rush hour, a metro conductor on Seoul’s Line 2 apparently took a four-minute bathroom break, which affected hundreds of people and delayed 125 trains.
The Incident At Seoul’s Subway Leading To Major Chaos
At 8:11 AM in South Korea, a train conductor was operating a train on the outer loop of the circular route when he had to make an emergency stop at a station to use a restroom that was on a separate floor. According to the Seoul Metro, the conductor returned four minutes and sixteen seconds later, and an engineer guarded the stalled train, as reported by the Korean Herald.
Although regular train service was kept up, it was necessary to reschedule the 125 subsequent trains, which resulted in delays of up to 20 minutes.
According to Seoul Metro, there were not many interruptions, and the majority of passengers had little trouble. In Seoul, subway circular line conductors usually run the trains for two to three hours without pause. In certain situations, staff members may need to find facilities distant from platforms for emergencies; generally, portable toilets are available.
The working circumstances of subway drivers were made public following this incident, shocking people who contend that it is against labour rights to have one person in charge of everything. According to people, in order to maintain efficient operations and safeguard employees’ rights, support staff should be able to take over in an emergency.
Furthermore, 33 conductors in the Seoul subway were discovered to be operating the train while intoxicated, underscoring the necessity of enhanced safety protocols in South Korea’s subway system, as reported by WION
Also Read: Seoul Hit By The Worst November Snowfall In Over 50 Years; 2 Dead & Air Travel Disrupted
More About Seoul Transportation Network
Travellers like Seoul’s public transit system because of its reputation for effectiveness and cleanliness. The Seoul underground system has signs in Chinese, English, and Korean, and it operates continuously from 5:30 AM to midnight. Users can buy single or multiple travel passes at stations or convenience stores in order to utilise the system.
T-money users can transfer between bus and subway lines for free, as well as between other subway lines. For English-speaking routes, timetables, and transfers, users of smartphones and tablets can download apps such as Seoul Subway, Metroid Korea Subway Info, and Subway Navigation by Kakao.
Have you ever travelled by Seoul’s subway?
Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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