Easy Mobility Even on Narrow Roads... Gimhae City Launches Mini Wheelchair Bus 'Gayanarae'

Gimhae City in Gyeongnam held an opening ceremony for the mini wheelchair bus 'Gayanarae,' which is designed to assist the mobility of people with disabilities.

On April 2, the city hosted the ceremony in front of the main building of City Hall, attended by Mayor Hong Tae-yong, Yang Hankyo, President of the Gimhae Disabled Persons' Organizations Federation, its members, provincial and city councilors, and about 30 other participants, marking the inaugural operation of Gayanarae.

Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongnam (right), and officials from the Gimhae Disabled Persons Association Federation boarded "Gayana-rae." Provided by Gimhae City

Gayanarae is a specially modified vehicle based on a 15-seater mid-sized van and is optimized for travel on narrow urban roads and within local communities.

The bus can accommodate four wheelchair users at the same time and has a total capacity of nine people, including five regular seats.

It is equipped with a lift and secure fastening devices, making it easy and safe to board and disembark wheelchairs.

The opening ceremony for the mini wheelchair bus 'Gayanarae' is being held in front of Gimhae City Hall, Gyeongnam. Provided by Gimhae City

The operation of Gayanarae will be managed by the Gimhae Disabled Persons' Organizations Federation, which has been designated as the entrusted organization.

Yang, President of the Disabled Persons' Organizations Federation, said, "I am very pleased that the mini wheelchair bus, which was a long-cherished wish of people with disabilities, has now begun service. I would like to thank Gimhae City for listening to the earnest voices of people with disabilities, even amidst difficult financial conditions."

Park Jongju, Director of Welfare at the city, stated, "Gayanarae will serve as an important stepping stone toward creating a city where everyone can move without discrimination. We will continue to expand an integrated mobility support system that goes beyond simply providing means of transportation to include culture, leisure, and welfare, aiming to create a warm and happy Gimhae."

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