Seongbuk-gu Provides Dedicated Taxi Service for Families with Children Under 24 Months... Safe Travel for Infants and Convenience for Guardians When Visiting Hospitals, Health Centers, and Childcare Facilities!
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu, Korea’s first UNICEF-certified ‘Child-Friendly City’ and recipient of the upper-level certification twice, has now rolled up its sleeves for mothers raising children.
To create a better environment for having and raising children, starting from the 1st of this month, Seongbuk-gu launched the ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi’ project, which supports transportation for households raising infants under 24 months old.
Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, “Low birthrate is a serious issue for the future of Seongbuk-gu as a city, so we are preparing multifaceted measures. The Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi project, fully funded by the district, is part of these efforts. Moving forward, the administration will actively support pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare processes to make Seongbuk a city where it is easy to have and raise children.”
The ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi’ service is available to households residing in Seongbuk-gu with children under 24 months old.
Support is provided when the purpose of the visit is for medical care, health management, or use of childcare support facilities, and when going out accompanied by an infant. To use the ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi,’ users must register and apply through the dedicated app i.M (I.M) Taxi. Upon approval, 100,000 won worth of points are granted annually per household. Users can call a taxi through the app, and after using the taxi, submit proof documents related to visits to hospitals, clinics, or childcare support facilities via the app.
Seongbuk-gu operates the ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi’ with large passenger vans, allowing users with children to travel comfortably and spaciously. Strollers can be loaded, and car seats can be installed, ensuring the children’s safe boarding. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with air purifiers with sterilization functions, hand sanitizers, and droplet-blocking screens. Daily disinfection and indoor/outdoor cleaning maintain a pleasant riding environment.
Kim OO (Gil-eum-dong, 32), who used the ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi,’ said, “Taking public transportation with a child naturally makes me sigh a week in advance, but using the spacious and comfortable I-rang Taxi allowed me to focus more on caring for my child and feel at ease. I want to praise this project as a very well-started initiative.”
Besides the ‘Seongbuk I-rang Safe Taxi’ project, Seongbuk-gu also offers various programs such as Moms’ Day, held every Wednesday at the nation’s first district-run theater, Arirang Cine Center, where parents can watch movies with their children. Moms’ Day, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is preparing to resume soon.
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