Gwangju Seo-gu, Positive Response to Vehicle Sharing Project for Mobility-Impaired Seniors

Published 16 Nov.2021 13:44(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City is receiving great response for its nationwide first car-sharing project equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities to support leisure activities for elderly people with mobility difficulties, called ‘Baekse Cheongchun! Happy Companionship! Gwangju Seo-gu Hyo Car’.

According to Seo-gu on the 16th, this project alleviates mobility difficulties of elderly people who experience inconvenience in daily life by sharing cars owned by Seo-gu equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities.

It was also promoted with the purpose of expanding opportunities for families to participate in leisure activities together, fostering harmony and communication between generations.

Mr. Jeong OO, who has experience using the Hyo Car, said that family trips were difficult due to his mother’s limited mobility, but after applying for the Hyo Car project operated by Seo-gu, he rented a vehicle equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities and traveled to Yongin where his mother lives, starting a family trip, and for the first time in a while, the whole family was able to enjoy a pleasant time together.

The target users of Seo-gu’s shared car, Hyo Car, are elderly people aged 65 or older who have difficulty moving without assistance from others, and if either the elderly person or a family member has their resident registration in Seo-gu, Gwangju, they can use the service.

This Hyo Car can be used for up to 5 days including one public holiday per month, and the usage fee is free; however, users must bear other costs incurred during operation such as fuel costs, toll fees, fines, and penalties.

Residents who wish to use the service can inquire at the Seo-gu Office’s Aging Society Policy Division for detailed guidance.