Hwaseong-si Partners with Hyundai Motor to Improve Mobility Convenience for Severely Disabled

Pilot Project Utilizing Specially Modified Vehicles and Shucle Platform in Dongtan 1 New City
Jung Myung-geun: "We Will Provide a New Mobility Experience for Transportation-Vulnerable Groups"

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province is partnering with Hyundai Motor Company to conduct a pilot project aimed at improving mobility convenience for transportation-vulnerable groups, including people with severe disabilities.

Starting from the 1st, Hwaseong City announced that it will jointly conduct a five-month pilot project in Dongtan 1 New City with Hwaseong Urban Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company, utilizing specially modified vehicles and the Shucle platform for transportation-vulnerable users under the 'Shucle Transportation-Vulnerable Mobility Service.'

A special vehicle manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company applying universal design, allowing boarding from the side while seated in a wheelchair. It will be used in the "Mobility Service Demonstration Project for the Transportation Vulnerable," conducted for five months in Dongtan 1 New Town. Provided by Hwaseong City

This pilot project is part of the 'Universal Design Eco-friendly Vehicle Pilot Project' business agreement signed between Gyeonggi Province and Hyundai Motor Company in May last year. At that time, Dongtan 1 New City was selected as the pilot area.

The city plans to provide customized mobility services to people with severe disabilities registered on Hyundai Motor Company's 'Shucle' platform. 'Shucle' is Hyundai Motor Company's integrated mobility platform. It aims to solve local transportation issues and create a city where everyone can move freely without restrictions by offering various mobility solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Shucle especially optimizes real-time mobility by utilizing advanced data analysis technology and optimal route algorithms.

Notably, this pilot project will utilize a universal design vehicle applying the nation's first second-row side boarding method. This vehicle was designed to allow wheelchair users to board through the side door, improving the inconvenience of only being able to board from the rear in existing special vehicles.

In this vehicle, passengers can sit side by side with companions, which is expected to enhance not only the ride comfort but also the psychological stability of the passengers. Communication with hearing-impaired individuals is also possible through displays installed in the front and rear seats, allowing messages to be exchanged with the driver.

Jung Myung-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong City, said, "This pilot project will provide a new mobility experience to transportation-vulnerable groups and add psychological satisfaction. We will continue to strive to improve the mobility rights of transportation-vulnerable people."