Gyeongnam Disabled Solidarity: "Intercity Bus Tickets Are Useless Without Accessibility, Guarantee Our Right to Mobility"

Nine disability organizations in Gyeongnam Province, including the National Solidarity for Disability Rights Gyeongnam Branch, have called for the guarantee of intercity mobility rights for people with disabilities.

On the 9th, they held a press conference at the provincial government press center, demanding the introduction of intercity buses accessible to people with disabilities, the establishment and announcement of plans to guarantee intercity mobility rights for the disabled, and the provision of accessible facilities at terminals.

The Gyeongnam Branch of the National Disabled Mobility Rights Coalition and others are holding a press conference urging the guarantee of intercity mobility rights for people with disabilities. Photo by Lee Seryung

The coalition stated, "The Constitution and laws of the Republic of Korea stipulate that no one shall be discriminated against because of disability, that the state is obligated to enhance the welfare and rights of people with disabilities, and that the mobility rights of transportation-vulnerable groups must be ensured. However, in reality, people with disabilities are left only to watch buses they cannot board."

They argued, "There are almost no facilities for wheelchair users on intercity and express buses, so people with disabilities are effectively deprived of their freedom of movement. This invites discrimination and exclusion in all areas of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social activities."

They continued, "Gyeongnam Province promised to guarantee intercity mobility rights for people with disabilities in 2011 and, in 2014, was the first in the country to commission a study and produce blueprints for intercity low-floor buses. However, the introduction of these buses was scrapped due to failed negotiations with transportation companies over loss compensation. We urge the immediate fulfillment of the promise made 15 years ago."

Choi Jinggi, head of the Gyeongnam branch, appealed, "Many people with disabilities in the province are working, but because their mobility rights are not guaranteed, they repeatedly arrive late and leave work late every day, resulting in losing their jobs as they cannot work for long periods. Although the number of low-floor buses and taxis for the transportation-vulnerable has increased, there are still many difficulties, such as having to wait a long time for dispatch."

The coalition plans to hold a rally on the 17th in front of Jeongu Shopping Center to call for the guarantee of intercity mobility rights and rights for people with disabilities, followed by a march to the provincial government building.

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