Consideration for Users from Other Cities and Counties in Western Gyeongnam, "Let's Coexist and Move Forward"
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Jinju City, Gyeongnam Province announced on the 24th that it will reduce the out-of-city fare for call taxis for transportation vulnerable groups from October 1st as a measure to expand transportation welfare for those facing difficulties due to COVID-19.
Call taxis for transportation vulnerable groups are special transportation means designed to facilitate mobility for those who have difficulty using public transportation, such as people with severe disabilities, elderly people aged 65 or older, and pregnant women.
Currently, Jinju City operates a total of 34 call taxis, with fares ranging from 1,100 KRW to 2,000 KRW within the city area, and twice the out-of-city bus fare for out-of-city areas. Approximately 80,000 people use the call taxis annually.
With this fare reduction measure, the call taxi fare for out-of-city areas will be lowered from twice the out-of-city bus fare to 1.5 times.
The call taxis for transportation vulnerable groups operated by Jinju City have seen an increase in users every year. Most out-of-city users are residents from Sacheon, Sancheong, Hadong, Uiryeong, and other areas who use hospitals located in Jinju.
Jinju City decided to reduce the out-of-city fare as a policy for mutual development with other cities and counties in western Gyeongnam.
A city official said, "We expect the number of users to increase as the economic burden on call taxi users will be reduced by this fare reduction," and added, "We will continue to make call taxis more convenient and affordable to use."
Call taxis for transportation vulnerable groups operate year-round on a membership basis. By submitting related documents and an application form, including an ID card and a medical opinion specifying the restriction and duration of public transportation use, to the local town or township office or the dong administrative welfare center, after screening, users can use the service as transportation to hospitals in the Gyeongnam and Busan areas.
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