Gwangju Dong-gu Sees Threefold Increase in Demand-Responsive "Happy Taxi" Usage

Accessible Throughout Gwangju and to Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital
Eligible Users Receive Four Vouchers Per Month

Exterior view of Gwangju Dong-gu Office.

On November 19, Gwangju Dong-gu District announced that the monthly average usage of the demand-responsive public taxi service, "Happy Dong-gu Taxi," which is operated for residents in areas with limited access to public transportation, has increased more than threefold compared to its initial launch two years ago.

"Happy Dong-gu Taxi" is a demand-responsive service for seniors aged 65 and older and people with disabilities living in Jiwon 2-dong's rural villages, where public transportation is scarce. The service operates according to the time and location requested by users. It also allows travel throughout Gwangju and to Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, making it highly beneficial for long-distance trips such as hospital visits.

Eligible users receive four vouchers per month, and for each ride, up to 15,000 won of the fare is subsidized, excluding a minimum personal payment of 2,000 won. The program is recognized as a "cost-effective" transportation welfare initiative that alleviates financial burdens and guarantees mobility rights.

Since its launch in July 2023, the monthly average number of rides for "Happy Dong-gu Taxi" increased from 208 in 2023 to 570 in 2024, a 2.7-fold rise, and has now reached 709, maintaining a steady upward trend. In particular, with a total budget of 71,649,000 won allocated last year, the number of rides more than doubled compared to the initial period, establishing itself as a leading transportation welfare policy that achieves "significant results with minimal costs."

Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu District, stated, "I feel great pride in the fact that 'Happy Dong-gu Taxi' has brought tangible changes to the lives of residents in transportation-vulnerable areas," adding, "We will continue to improve the service and enhance transportation welfare so that all users can enjoy the freedom of movement without inconvenience."

Meanwhile, Dong-gu District plans to conduct a user satisfaction survey in December to improve operational efficiency and further enhance the perceived satisfaction of beneficiaries through service improvements.

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