Busan Metro Line 2 receives first new train as replacement of old fleet begins
In short
Busan Transportation Corporation brought the first newly built trainset for Busan Metro Line 2 into its Hopo depot on the morning of 8 October. It is the first of 28 trainsets (168 cars) in the first phase of a project to replace 56 of the line's old trainsets (336 cars), with passenger service planned during 2027.
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Busan Transportation Corporation on the morning of 8 October brought the first newly built trainset for Busan Metro Line 2 into the Hopo depot, the start of a programme to replace the line's ageing trains, according to Asia Economy, Seoul Shinmun and Newsis. Newsis reported that the trainset has six cars and that the depot is in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The trainset is the first of 28 trainsets (168 cars) in the first phase of a project to replace 56 of Line 2's old trainsets (336 cars). The corporation plans to bring in the remaining first-phase trains in sequence, run trials and start passenger service during 2027. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The corporation signed the manufacturing contract for the first-phase trains in December 2024, and the trains then went through design, manufacturing and testing before the first delivery, Asia Economy and Seoul Shinmun reported. [ 2 , 3 ]
The new trains use the integrated railway wireless network LTE-R for on-board signalling communication, which the reports say allows more stable data exchange between running trains and ground signalling equipment; Asia Economy and Newsis said it replaces the previous short-range communication method. The trains also carry equipment that automatically sprays extinguishing agent if the battery under the car body catches fire. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
For passengers, the air-conditioning control has been changed so that cabin temperature can be adjusted according to crowding, route section and time of day, and glass partitions have been installed at seats next to the doors to separate seating from the walkway and reduce contact between passengers boarding and leaving. Asia Economy added that the exterior has a streamlined front and high-gloss glass and that the cabin uses a modern version of Line 2's green line colour. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Park Myeong-do (박명도), acting president of the corporation, said replacing old trains on time to secure metro safety was the most important thing and that the rest of the replacement project would proceed without disruption, according to Asia Economy and Newsis. Seoul Shinmun attributed the same remarks to a corporation official. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The delivery starts the replacement of Line 2's ageing fleet, which the corporation presents as a matter of metro safety. The new trains add LTE-R-based signalling communication, automatic fire suppression for under-car batteries and changes for passengers, though they are not due to carry passengers until 2027.
Key facts
- Busan Transportation Corporation brought one new Line 2 trainset into the Hopo depot on the morning of 8 October. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The trainset is the first of 28 trainsets (168 cars) in phase one of a project to replace 56 old Line 2 trainsets (336 cars). [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The corporation signed the phase-one manufacturing contract in December 2024. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Remaining phase-one trains will arrive in sequence and undergo trial runs, with passenger service planned during 2027. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The new trains use the integrated railway wireless network LTE-R for on-board signalling communication. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Equipment automatically sprays extinguishing agent if the under-car battery catches fire. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Cabin cooling can be adjusted by crowding, route section and time of day, and glass partitions were installed at seats beside the doors. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The first new Line 2 trainset was delivered to the Hopo depot on the morning of 8 October. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- It is the first of 28 trainsets in phase one of a 56-trainset replacement project. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Passenger service for the phase-one trains is planned during 2027. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The phase-one manufacturing contract was signed in December 2024. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The new trains have LTE-R signalling communication and automatic fire suppression for under-car batteries. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- Who manufactured the new trains and the value of the contract. None of the reports names the manufacturer or gives the contract value.
- When the remaining 27 phase-one trainsets will arrive and when phase two will start. The reports say only that the remaining trains will arrive in sequence and give no schedule for phase two.
- Location of the Hopo depot in Yangsan. Only Newsis states that the depot is in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.