Introduction of 'Seoul Jang-aein Bus' Supporting Long-Distance Travel for Wheelchair Users

Seoul Facilities Corporation to Start Reservations from the 1st and Operations from the 6th

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Seoul Facilities Corporation announced that it will introduce two 'Seoul Disabled Buses' equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities to assist group transportation for people with disabilities, and reservations will be accepted starting from the 1st.

Currently, there are a total of 19 buses available for wheelchair users in South Korea: 5 operated by local governments such as Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Busan; 4 operated by the private sector (Able Tour); and 10 express buses introduced on 4 routes by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The newly introduced Seoul Disabled Buses total 2 units. The standard bus can accommodate 8 wheelchair seats (21 regular seats), and the premium bus can accommodate 5 wheelchair seats (18 regular seats). These buses are equipped with doors and lifts for wheelchair boarding and alighting, seats, securing devices, and an additional emergency escape door to ensure the safety of disabled passengers in case of emergencies.

The service is available to people with disabilities currently registered with Seoul's Disabled Call Taxi, specifically those with severe walking disabilities (previously levels 1 to 3). The service can be used for groups of 10 or more, including at least one wheelchair user, and can operate nationwide except Seoul for up to 2 days and 1 night.

The fare is 200,000 KRW for up to 200 km, with an additional 20,000 KRW charged for every 50 km beyond 200 km. For a round trip between Seoul and Busan (approximately 766 km), the estimated fare is about 440,000 KRW. Toll fees, parking fees, travel insurance, and driver accommodation costs must be borne additionally, but the driver is provided by the corporation at no extra cost.

Bus operations will begin on the 6th. Reservations can be made from the 1st through Seoul's public service reservation website (http://yeyak.seoul.go.kr), and reservations will be confirmed after additional procedures such as customer verification. Users must make reservations by midnight at least 5 days before the bus departure date to use the service.