Hwasun-gun Operates 'Voucher Taxi' Service for Transportation-Disadvantaged Groups

Published 05 Aug.2022 15:52(KST)

[Hwasun=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Ji-woon] Jeonnam Hwasun-gun (Governor Gu Bok-gyu) began operating the “Voucher Taxi,” a customized demand-responsive transportation service for transportation-vulnerable individuals, starting from the 3rd.

According to the county on the 5th, the Voucher Taxi operates as a regular taxi under normal circumstances, but provides transportation services when transportation-vulnerable individuals such as non-wheelchair users with disabilities request a call through the Jeonnam Metropolitan Mobility Support Center (Call Center).

The county designated 10 regular taxis as Voucher Taxis through an open recruitment process.

Currently, the county operates seven special transportation vehicles (call taxis for the disabled), but as the number of users increased, there were inconveniences such as longer dispatch waiting times.

To resolve these inconveniences and to enhance mobility rights for transportation-vulnerable individuals including wheelchair users, non-wheelchair disabled persons, and pregnant women, the Voucher Taxi was introduced.

The eligible users are transportation-vulnerable individuals who have difficulty using public transportation, such as non-wheelchair disabled persons and pregnant women.

To use the Voucher Taxi, users must register with the Jeonnam Metropolitan Mobility Support Center (Call Center).

Operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and users must apply through the call center and pay only their share of the fare upon alighting.

The basic fare (user’s share) is 500 KRW for up to 2 km, with an additional 100 KRW charged for every kilometer beyond that.

The maximum fare paid by users is 1,000 KRW, with the county covering the difference, making it much cheaper than regular taxi fares.

However, there is a usage limit of “up to 4 rides per day and 30 rides per month per person.”

With the operation of Voucher Taxis, wheelchair users will use “special transportation vehicles,” while non-wheelchair transportation-vulnerable individuals will use “Voucher Taxis,” distributing users by type and significantly reducing dispatch waiting times, thereby improving mobility rights.

Registration and usage applications can be made via phone or the website of the Jeonnam Metropolitan Mobility Support Center.

Governor Gu Bok-gyu said, “With the introduction of Voucher Taxis, both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair disabled persons can use the service more quickly and conveniently than before,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to enhance the mobility rights of transportation-vulnerable individuals through special transportation vehicles, Voucher Taxis, and more.”