"Guaranteeing Non-Discriminatory Mobility Rights"‥ Uijeongbu City Promotes 'Vulnerable-Centered' Transportation Policy

'Haengbok Call' and 'Voucher Taxi' Operate in All Metropolitan Areas
Incentives Provided to Drivers Aged 65 and Over Who Voluntarily Return Their Driver's Licenses

Uijeongbu City Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province is implementing transportation policies focused on vulnerable groups, such as operating the 'Happiness Call' for people with disabilities and 'Voucher Taxi' services, and providing incentives for elderly drivers who voluntarily surrender their driver's licenses.

According to the city on the 20th, 39 'Happiness Call' vehicles and 17 'Voucher Taxis' are operating across all areas of the Seoul metropolitan area. The fare is 1,500 KRW for up to 10 km, with an additional 100 KRW charged for every 5 km beyond 10 km.

The city has improved the 'Happiness Call' operation guidelines, which were previously limited to rehabilitation, medical treatment, and airplane ticket holders, to allow usage throughout the entire Seoul metropolitan area regardless of the purpose of use.

Along with this, the weekday reservation system has been abolished, enabling vehicles waiting during reservation times to operate immediately upon receiving a call.

Additionally, elderly drivers aged 65 and over who voluntarily surrender their driver's licenses are provided with a one-time 100,000 KRW credit on the 'Uijeongbu Love Card.'

The city distributed the 'Uijeongbu Love Card' to 780 people in 2019 and 1,000 people in 2020, and plans to expand the number of recipients to 1,400 this year.

Furthermore, yellow road markings will be installed in senior protection zones, along with crosswalk floodlights and fiber optic illuminated signs for nighttime safety.

Signs indicating high-accident areas for elderly pedestrian traffic accidents will also be installed in locations with frequent elderly pedestrian accidents.

An Byeong-yong, Mayor of Uijeongbu City, stated, "The right to move safely and conveniently is directly linked to social participation, so we will continue to manage transportation vulnerable groups to ensure they are not discriminated against and their right to mobility is guaranteed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.