Kim Youngkyu, Preliminary Candidate for Yeosu Mayor, Announces Full Implementation of Customized Two-Track Taxi Fare Support to Guarantee Senior Mobility Rights

Kim Youngkyu, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Yeosu, has unveiled his pledge to guarantee the "Senior Secure Mobility Right," aimed at improving mobility for seniors aged 75 and older.

According to Kim, the core of this pledge is a "customized two-track taxi fare support policy" that reflects public transportation accessibility by residential area, which is intended to enhance citizens' perceived welfare.

Kim Younggyu, Yeosu Mayor Candidate,

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Kim Youngkyu first pointed out the limitations of the current "100-won Taxi" system operated by Yeosu City. He noted that this system, which is limited to residents of 24 public transportation-vulnerable villages regardless of age, excludes seniors aged 75 or older living in the city (dong districts) who actually experience significant inconvenience in using public transportation.

Kim explained, "The current ordinance restricts destinations to places like community centers, making it difficult for seniors to use the service for visits to large hospitals or traditional markets, which are in high demand. In addition, unreasonable regulations such as being excluded from benefits simply for owning a vehicle that is actually impossible to drive must be promptly corrected."

Approximately 23,000 seniors aged 75 or older who live in the city and in towns or townships (such as Sora-myeon and Jukrim) where public transportation conditions are relatively good will be provided with an "annual 100,000 won filial piety taxi voucher card."

This measure aims to make it easier for seniors who have difficulties using buses to travel between their daily activity centers, while also revitalizing the local taxi industry.

For approximately 5,500 seniors living in areas with poor public transportation, the existing "100-won Taxi" program will be further strengthened. Seniors will be able to use village taxis for 100 won when needed, with the following adjustments made to the current system.

The scope of destinations will be expanded from community centers to include major medical institutions and traditional markets, among other key daily locations. Additionally, a provision will be introduced to grant eligibility to seniors who own a private vehicle but are unable to drive due to illness or having voluntarily surrendered their driver's license.

Kim Youngkyu emphasized that the project can be sufficiently implemented with an annual budget of 2.4 to 2.8 billion won.

By setting the target age at 75 and older, Kim explained that the policy could save over 1.5 billion won annually compared to an expansion to those aged 70 and older, while concentrating policy resources on the super-aged population with the greatest need for improved mobility.

Regarding the required budget, Kim estimated that it would total approximately 2.4 to 2.8 billion won per year. He stated, "This is fully feasible by restructuring non-essential festival and event budgets and leveraging matching funds from the national and provincial governments (such as rural transportation models), thereby minimizing the city’s fiscal burden." He further stressed the necessity of the project by saying, "For our city’s oldest seniors, taxis are not just a means of transportation-they are a lifeline that connects them to health and livelihood."

Kim Youngkyu expressed his determination, stating, "Drawing on the administrative expertise I have accumulated as a six-term assemblyman, I will immediately amend the relevant ordinances to ensure that seniors no longer have to give up on medical appointments or grocery shopping, creating a truly secure Yeosu."

He added, "This policy will not only protect seniors’ right to health but also serve as a mutually beneficial model by providing a stable demand base for taxi drivers struggling amid a prolonged recession."

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