Seoul's subway service is getting back on track this week after a period of shortened operating hours amid the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said subway lines are set to resume regular service on Monday in line with eased lockdown rules.
Subway and bus services were reduced by 20 percent after 10 p.m. in December last year in a bid to stem soaring infections in the year-end season, which often brings many convivial gatherings and parties.
Fewer trains and buses after 10 p.m. led to a drop in the number of users. In the first week of February, for example, the number of subway passengers fell by 50.9 percent, while the number of bus users dropped 39.3 percent.
However, as the curfew for restaurants and bars was eased slightly last month to 10:00 p.m. and their opening hours were further extended until 11:00 p.m. last week, the number of public transportation users is gradually recovering to the normal level.
"Amid the eased lockdown, the number of subway and bus users at night is expected to pick up again," a city official said. "We will monitor the passenger traffic on public transportation and adjust operating hours and schedules."