Mokpo City Discusses Early Normalization Plan for City Buses Through Consultative Body

City Council, Parents, Education Office, Civic Groups, and City Bus Labor-Management Representatives Comprise the Group

[Mokpo=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Hyeong-seok] Jeonnam Mokpo City announced on the 24th that it plans to form a consultative body composed of various sectors to discuss early normalization measures for city buses.

As the city bus strike by the Taewon Passenger and Yujin Transport unions, which began at 5 a.m. on the 18th, continues into its seventh day, Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul expressed in a statement on the morning of the 24th, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to our citizens."

Mayor Park added, "We have deployed about 20 emergency transport vehicles on two city bus routes, fully lifted taxi restrictions, and implemented a carpool system for public officials, but we are well aware that these measures are insufficient to alleviate the inconvenience to our citizens. Although it is difficult to lease buses due to the peak tourist season and school trips, we will mobilize all administrative efforts to secure additional vehicles," he said.

He also emphasized, "We will form a consultative body with the Mokpo City Council, parent representatives, the Office of Education, civic groups, and city bus labor-management officials to discuss measures for the early normalization of city buses and prepare the best possible plans to minimize citizen inconvenience."

Furthermore, he urged, "We hope that the Taewon Passenger and Yujin Transport companies will demonstrate wisdom in resolving the strained labor-management relations for the prompt operation of city buses. We ask that they end management heavily dependent on financial support funded by citizens' taxes. A bold decision to prepare self-help measures, risking the fate of the company, is necessary. This is the only way for the company, workers, and citizens to all have city buses," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the city is operating four Romantic Buses as emergency transport vehicles and is exploring ways to expand their operation.

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