The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs announced on Thursday a formal open bidding document for a new KTX line, whose route involves Suseo, rekindling disputes over the privatization of the bullet train system.

The plan confirmed the government’s resolve to allow private companies to run part of the train network. Opposition parties and civic groups, however, protested that the move is a step toward the privatization of KTX, which will lead to higher rates.

The Suseo route of the KTX will be completed by 2015 and the newly announced plan provides a guideline for selecting a private company to run the line.

The ministry plans to open up more KTX lines, especially those suffering from deficits due to lackluster demand to private companies.

The KTX is currently run by state-run KORAIL and the government’s stance is that an open bidding will help lower the prices of train tickets and rein in technical and maintenance flaws that sparked a series of breakdowns and minor accidents.

The ministry is now expected to finalize the winner in the open bidding in July at the earliest.

(insight@heraldcorp.com)