Kim Moonsoo Proposes Amendment to Act on Promotion of Transportation Convenience for the Mobility Disadvantaged

Moonsoo Kim, Member of the National Assembly.

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Kim Moonsu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye-gap in Jeollanam-do), announced on the 4th that he has proposed a revision to the “Act on Promotion of Transportation Convenience for the Mobility Disadvantaged” to strengthen the guarantee of mobility rights for the transportation disadvantaged and to address regional disparities.

The current law requires mayors and county governors to operate special transportation services and establish mobility support centers for those who experience difficulties in mobility, and requires provincial governors to establish metropolitan mobility support centers. It also stipulates that the necessary costs may be partially subsidized by the state or province.

However, essential items such as drivers’ wages are not included in the scope and types of operational funding support, making it difficult for many local governments to secure a sufficient number of drivers. As a result, waiting times are prolonged, metropolitan mobility services and 24-hour operations are restricted, and the transportation disadvantaged are not properly guaranteed their mobility rights.

The proposed amendment requires the state or province to provide mandatory partial support for the funds needed to establish and operate mobility support centers, and includes drivers’ wages and other personnel expenses in the scope of operational funding support. It also allows for the subsidy rate to be determined in consideration of the financial circumstances of local governments, aiming to bridge the regional gap in mobility rights for the transportation disadvantaged.

Additionally, for those who can walk but experience significant inconvenience in mobility, the amendment establishes grounds for supporting the operation and usage costs of alternative transportation options such as rental or voucher taxis, beyond just special transportation services.

Kim stated, “This amendment focuses on providing practical support measures to alleviate the mobility inconveniences faced by the transportation disadvantaged,” and added, “I expect it will serve as an opportunity to improve the level of mobility convenience nationwide.”

Kim further emphasized, “Guaranteeing the mobility rights of the transportation disadvantaged is not simply a matter of convenience, but a fundamental rights issue,” and stressed, “Through this amendment, we will achieve institutional improvements so that the transportation disadvantaged can receive faster and more reliable mobility services.”

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