By Charles Audouin
Video = Korail TV's YouTube channel

Passengers of the high-speed rail KTX (Korea Train Express) from late this month can board at Suseo Station and those of SRT (Super Rapid Train) can do so at Seoul Station.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, KTX operator Korea Railroad Corp. (Korail) and SRT operator SR on Feb. 10 announced the launch of pilot cross-operations for integrated high-speed service from Feb. 25. Ticket reservations started on Feb. 11.

KTX previously departed from Seoul and Yongsan stations and SRT from Suseo Station in southern Seoul. SRT was 10% cheaper but KTX had more routes.

Tickets are available for purchase on the mobile apps and websites of KoRail and SR, as well as ticket machines and counters at the relevant stations. Over the trial period, the trains will run on their regular schedules.

Fares will be discounted over the pilot period. KTX trains departing from Suseo Station will be 10% cheaper on average and similar to SRT rates. Fares for SRT trains leaving Seoul Station will be 10% lower on average than KTX.

These rides will not count toward passenger mileage. A unified fare system is also planned.

This project follows a roadmap for the integration of the country's two high-speed rail networks announced in December last year. This is considered the first step in the phased consolidation of both systems.

"We will proceed with the process without fail so that the public can quickly experience the benefits of integrated operations such as more seats," the ministry said. "Above all, we will conduct thorough inspections to ensure no problems in safety."

caudouin@korea.kr