Happy Taxi Vroom Vroom ... Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk Increases Happy Taxi Fleet by 66 for Remote Villages

12 Eupmyeondong, 103 Villages, 3,400 Residents Benefited

Joo Nak-young, mayor of Gyeongju City, is directly riding the Happy Taxi in a remote village operation area. [Image source=Gyeongju City]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yeo Jong-gu] Gyeongju City, Gyeongbuk Province, has increased the number of Happy Taxis by 66 to support residents in areas underserved by public transportation.

Gyeongju City began a pilot operation of Happy Taxi in 2019 in 20 villages in East Gyeongju, and currently alleviates transportation inconveniences for residents of 103 villages across 12 eup, myeon, and dong districts.

Following the revision of the "Ordinance on the Operation of Happy Taxi and Support for Residents Using It," the service has been expanded this year to include urban-rural complex areas such as Seondo-dong, Wolseong-dong, Hwangnam-dong, Bodeok-dong, and Bulguk-dong.

The fare system has also changed. Previously, under the principle of at least two passengers, a single passenger had to pay 2,600 won, but now the fare has been reduced to 1,000 won regardless of the number of passengers.

Riding tickets are distributed quarterly at 15 tickets per household, with additional distribution available if needed.

A Gyeongju City official stated, "The expansion of Happy Taxi operations improves transportation convenience for residents of remote villages and indirectly provides financial support to the struggling taxi industry, resulting in a win-win effect."

Drivers are recruited and selected as needed based on the demand for Happy Taxi services.

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