A Study on Construction of Metro Rapid Transit Network in Daegu Area

철도와 지역발전 - 대구권 광역전철망 구상과 지역발전 효과

Construction of metro transportation infra is a large-scale project requiring tremendous financial resources. This study suggests operation method to use for rapid transit line existing infra such as Gyeongbu line and spare line capacity following second phase KTX construction. Reviewing various constraints of metro rapid transit operation, we found that the conditions for metro rapid transit operation are already satisfied in Daegu area, just like the case of Gyeongbu line in Seoul Metro area. Also, the evaluation of the economic feasibility of metro rapid transit operation in Daegu area shows that B/C is about 2.4, which implies that there is sufficient economic feasibility. According to the result of sensitivity analysis, the project is economically feasible unless the passenger demand decreases 15% and construction costs increases more than 70%. B/C is evaluated large because the utilization of already exiting infra lowers the initial cost. As one of mass transportation system of large capacity, metro rapid transit can generate significant spillover effect: It will strengthen competitiveness of metro area by connecting cities within the area and by extending one-day life zone of the area, to say nothing of the benefit of improving traffic condition. The construction of metro rapid transit network is necessary for the mass transportation system of Yeongnam area as well as Daegu area, and it may work as a starting point for uniting Daegu and Gyeongbuk and strengthening regional competitiveness.