New concept of speed increase in the public transportation, such as bus BRT system, highway exclusive lane system and GTX system and the entailed speed competition draw the attention. KORAIL-operated metropolitan rapid metro service is running 256 trains a day in six lines but the preference for the service is not high, except rush-hour time, because of the low time-saving effect of the regular metro service due to the many stops and because of low frequent service in other five lines except Kyongin line.
This study aims to elicit the improvement in rapid metro operation system for the reinforcement of the core function of Metropolitan metro service : fast movement between the central areas and the outskirts of Seoul. First, the strategic directions such as target level of improvement in Metropolitan rapid train-centered operation system are set up. Secondly, the considerations in terms of metro operating and facilities for its improvement are presented. Last, a plan of reducing the regular train service interval to dissolve the inconvenience of rapid train customers at newly turned non-stopping stations is suggested. In particular, considering that conventional line like Kyungbu line under operation of metro service and new line under planning to input the metro service need different approaches, the improvement plan for some lines are proposed considering the characteristics.