Five (5) representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), NEDA Regional Office III, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) visited South Korea from 11-15 November 2019.  This study tour/learning visit is part of the Consultant’s deliverables under its contract with NEDA for the Feasibility Study on the Pampanga Mass Transit System.

During the visit, both government representatives and project team members explored and were able to experience riding the transportation systems in and around Busan, as well as the connection to the country’s capital via the high-speed Korea Train eXpress (KTX).

The group also met with the Busan-Gimhae LRT (BGL) company in Busan, Gyeongsangnam-do, thanks to the assistance provided by SYSTRA Korea Corporation.  BGL officers gave a briefing and answered questions on the history, technology, operations and maintenance of the 23.9-km line.  A tour of BGL’s Operations Control Center and Maintenance Depot was also permitted.

The study tour allowed the participants to benchmark on South Korea’s efficient transportation network, and inspire themselves in preparing the concepts and designs for the Pampanga Mass Transit System study.