Gwangju Jangchayeon "Kumho Express, Introduce Wheelchair Lifts"

Resumption of Anti-Discrimination Lawsuit After 5 Years... Intense Battle

Press Conference Held in Front of Court: "Stop Discrimination Against Disabled"

"Premium Buses Keep Increasing Despite Financial Difficulties"

The Gwangju Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities claimed on the 16th that Kumho Express's failure to operate buses equipped with lifts for persons with disabilities constitutes a restriction on the mobility rights of persons with disabilities and discrimination.

On the morning of the same day, when the related lawsuit resumed after about five years, the coalition held a press conference in front of the Gwangju District Court to voice these concerns.

Members of the Gwangju Disabled Persons Discrimination Elimination Solidarity group are giving an interview after attending the trial of a lawsuit filed against Gwangju City and Kumho Express at the Gwangju District Court on the afternoon of the 16th.
[Photo by Min Hyun-gi]

The coalition stated, "Over the more than five years since the related lawsuit began, Kumho Express could have introduced at least one or two buses equipped with wheelchair lifts to avoid responsibility, but not a single bus has been introduced."

They added, "They claim to be experiencing financial difficulties, but it has been over a year since they said they would submit financial documents to support this claim," appealing for transparency.

The organization explained, "Kumho Express, which claims financial hardship, has recently been continuously increasing the number of premium buses, and we understand that the cost of introducing premium buses is higher than the cost of installing wheelchair lift equipment."

They further suggested, "Kumho Express should operate buses equipped with wheelchair lifts for the benefit of our society."

Meanwhile, the 14th Civil Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Na Kyung) held a hearing on the same day for a discrimination relief lawsuit filed by five members of the Gwangju Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (hereafter referred to as the coalition) against the government, Gwangju City, Kumho Express, and others.

The five plaintiffs argued in court that Kumho Express's failure to operate any express or intercity buses equipped with wheelchair lifts violates the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities.

On the other hand, Kumho Express stated that installing lifts for persons with disabilities on buses is financially difficult.

The next trial is scheduled to be held on the morning of June 1.

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