Goyang City Expands Customized Special and Metropolitan Transportation Services to Bridge Mobility Gaps
This Year: 92 Vehicles for the Transportation-Vulnerable, 140,000 Service Uses
8th Administration Achieves Introduction of 300 Additional Low-Floor Buses... 487 Buses Now in Operation
Five Goyang Nuri Bus Routes Serve Underserved Areas... Pursuing User-Centered Efficiency
Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) is actively promoting policies to improve transportation convenience for vulnerable groups and residents in areas underserved by public transportation, accelerating the establishment of an "inclusive transportation system for all." In particular, by fulfilling the pledges made during the 8th popularly elected administration, the city is expanding the introduction of low-floor buses and broadening the scope of special transportation services, which is recognized as having a tangible impact on citizens' daily lives.
Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, attending the opening ceremony of N002 Nuriverse. Provided by Goyang Special City
According to Goyang Special City on November 11, the number of transportation-vulnerable individuals in Goyang, including the elderly and people with disabilities, is estimated at 308,060, accounting for 29% of the total population, and this number continues to rise. As a result, the city has made the safe and convenient mobility of transportation-vulnerable groups its top priority.
Expansion of Special Transportation Services... Now Available to Seoul and Incheon
Currently, the Goyang City Transportation Support Center for the Transportation-Vulnerable operates a total of 92 vehicles, including 79 special transportation vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and 13 leased taxis.
As of the end of October, the number of registered members at the Goyang City Transportation Support Center for the Transportation-Vulnerable reached 16,672, with a total of 139,108 service uses.
Notably, since October 2023, the city has adopted the Gyeonggi Province Metropolitan Mobility Support Service, expanding its service area to include Seoul and Incheon. Furthermore, from December 2024, the previously separate allocation authorities of city/county and metropolitan mobility support centers were unified. Now, the Gyeonggi Province Metropolitan Mobility Support Center conducts integrated vehicle dispatch, significantly improving mobility convenience.
Meanwhile, the city is easing the financial burden on transportation-vulnerable citizens through a taxi fare support program for people with severe disabilities. Residents of Goyang with severe disabilities can receive a partnership check card, use taxis, and receive a taxi fare subsidy (covering 70% of the fare, up to 10,000 won per ride, and up to 100,000 won per month). As of October, a total of 49,267 cases have been supported.
8th Administration Pledge Achieved: 300 Additional Low-Floor Buses Introduced... Up to 90 Million Won in Subsidies Per Bus
To create a barrier-free living environment, Goyang City has fulfilled its 8th administration pledge by completing the introduction of 300 additional low-floor buses.
Low-floor buses, designed without steps, allow not only transportation-vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and the elderly but also general passengers to board safely and conveniently. After supplying 37 buses in the second half of 2022, 162 in 2023, and 77 in 2024, the city added 41 more this year, completing a total introduction of 317 low-floor buses. Currently, there are 487 low-floor buses operating in Goyang, with plans to introduce 33 more within this year.
To accelerate the mandatory introduction of low-floor buses, as required by the amended "Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility Disadvantaged Persons," the city is providing substantial financial support, including up to 90 million won in subsidies per bus for transportation companies purchasing low-floor buses.
In addition, to improve customer satisfaction, the city plans to expand the provision of low-floor bus arrival information through the bus information system and to enhance service quality by upgrading bus stop facilities and strengthening driver training.
Steady Increase in Goyang Nuri Bus Users... New Routes and Revisions Reflecting Local Residents' Feedback
The city operates the Goyang Nuri Bus, a Gyeonggi Province urban transportation model project. As of September, the monthly average number of users reached 41,993, helping to alleviate transportation inconveniences for residents in underserved areas.
Currently, five routes are in operation: N001, N002, N003, N005, and N007, with a total of 11 buses. In January, the N002 route was extended from Daehwa Station to GTX-A Kintex Station, and in July, an additional bus was deployed following the recruitment of more drivers. In April, the N003 route was newly established, connecting Janghang District and GTX-A Station to enhance transfer convenience.
Furthermore, to secure mobility rights for residents in areas underserved by public transportation, the N005 route was extended in July from the Philippine Veterans Monument to Daeja-dong Village Hall, making travel more convenient for residents in transportation-vulnerable areas.
Going forward, the city plans to further optimize routes of the Goyang Nuri Bus based on user demand and continue efforts to secure mobility rights and improve transportation welfare for residents in areas underserved by public transportation.
Mayor Lee Donghwan of Goyang Special City stated, "We will build a transportation system for all citizens so that no one faces difficulties in mobility and access, and we will further strengthen customized convenience services centered on user needs."
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