Line 9 on the Rails
Veolia Transport RATP Asia now operates metro line 9 in Seoul, South Korea. Riders give it a thumbs-up.
Line 9 gets off to a smooth start," read the Financial Mail, "That was fast!" in the Seoul News. The Hankook Daily reported, "Easier transfers and up to speed immediately." In short, the local press trumpeted its enthusiasm.
The Seoul metro's "golden line" runs smoothly.
"This metro line demonstrates our expertise in Asia, where many metro lines are under construction," said Daniel Cukierman, CEO of Veolia Transport RATP Asia.
Phototheque Veolia - Christophe Majani d'Inguimbert
The company won the 10-year contract in 2007.
Now operational, Line 9 features Rotem four-car trains (six as of 2015), providing omnibus (33km/hour) and express (47km/hour) services.
The fare system is integrated with that of other urban transit systems (buses and other metro lines), easing travel thanks to the contactless, T-money ticketing system.
Passengers can use a single ticket to ride the bus or metro. By 2013, 25 stations will meet the travel needs of 760,000 passengers daily.
To operate this line—also the first in the South Korean capital to be entrusted entirely to a private company— Veolia Transport hired and trained 580 people. This contract consolidates Veolia Environment's presence in the Asian market.
It is a symbol of the recognition of its technical abilities in rail transport.
