The JDC, Jeju Free International City Development Center has declared to introduce the island’s first hydrogen powered trams. A corresponding project was proposed by the province in the past which collapsed due to economic reasons.
Eyes are on how the JDC’s plan develops. Todd Thacker reports.


Report
A tram is a rail vehicle that runs on a tramway.
Cities on the mainland are competitively building and introducing tramways.


The Jeju Free International City Development Center has said that it will introduce the island’s first trams as a part of a new transport infrastructure building project.
Officials believe that trams may ease traffic congestion and improve airport access by connecting the airport and major inner city stops.

In 2011, the province’s feasibility study on trams concluded that the profitability of this mode of transportation is negligible due to its high operating costs, and so the tram project foundered.

However, the JDC expects that the tram will be an economical, efficient and eco-friendly vehicle by using hydrogen power. Traffic and economic situations have also changed over the last 10 years.

Though the plans to bring trams to the island are at an early stage, they are very open ones.

Consultation with the national government and the province is needed to realize the plans, and administrative procedures for the consultation are not simple.
Consensus building between citizens, and opposition from the taxi and bus industries, cannot be overlooked.


Meanwhile, the introduction of trams has been suggested in several reports, including an interim report for the province’s International Free City Development plan and a tourism promotion plan.

Now, all eyes are on how the JDC’s plan will take shape in the future.


Todd Thacker, KCTV