Lee Dongwook Points Out Favoritism Toward Specific Companies in Transportation Corporation Audit
Questions Raised Over Procurement Practices
The Construction and Transportation Committee of the Daegu City Council (Chairman Heo Siyoung) strongly criticized the unilateral promotion of the Urban Metro Line 4 project without considering citizens' opinions during the administrative audit of the Daegu City Transportation Bureau and Daegu Transportation Corporation on November 13. The committee also urged the establishment of measures to address key transportation issues, including the new airport connection network, safety accidents involving personal mobility devices (PM), and pedestrian safety measures around construction sites.
Chairman Heo Siyoung (People Power Party, Dalseo District 2) called for fundamental countermeasures regarding recurring issues identified in internal audits at the Vehicle Registration Office. He also requested the development of an innovative mid- to long-term roadmap, including expanding business areas, so that Daegu Transportation Corporation, established in 2022, can fulfill its role and status as a specialized public transportation corporation.
Committee Member Kim Jeongok (People Power Party, Proportional Representative) pointed out the lack of enforcement against vehicles violating traffic restrictions in the Jungang-ro public transportation-only zone in Daegu. She noted that the road environment focused on public transportation and pedestrians is under threat and called for measures such as banning motorcycle traffic. She also highlighted safety management issues on Metro Line 3, which operates without a separate operator’s compartment, and urged the creation of a safer operating environment.
Committee Member Lee Dongwook (People Power Party, Buk District 5) proposed measures to stabilize the taxi industry by expanding the public use of corporate taxis, such as increasing Nadri Call services. He pointed out that, despite increased financial support for city buses, complaints related to operations have actually risen, indicating the need for improvement. He also questioned inappropriate discretionary contracts in the Transportation Corporation’s procurement processes, such as favoritism toward specific companies or unnecessarily splitting contracts.
Committee Member Cho Kyunggu (People Power Party, Suseong District 2) raised concerns about construction delays and insufficient pedestrian safety measures during the construction of underground passages at Manchon and Dongdaegu Stations, demanding improvements. He also criticized the LED streetlight replacement project for being pursued without clear standards or justification, and called for the establishment of installation criteria and an integrated management system.
Committee Member Jiman Kim (People Power Party, Buk District 2) pointed out overall issues with the Urban Metro Line 4 project, including vehicle type, depot, and station spacing, and urged a complete suspension of the project until next year’s mayoral election. He also strongly criticized the Transportation Corporation’s aDRT pilot project, saying that poor transport performance failed to achieve the project’s intended purpose and resulted in a merely formal initiative.
Committee Member Hwang Sunja (People Power Party, Dalseo District 3) called for fundamental measures to address ongoing complaints about personal occupation and long-term parking in on-street parking spaces. She also criticized the poor performance of the shared parking lot project and strongly urged institutional improvements for the underperforming car-free day program.
Committee Member Lim Inhwan (People Power Party, Jung District 1) called for a comprehensive management plan and safety measures for personal mobility devices (PM), which continue to be abandoned and cause safety accidents. He also urged consideration of introducing the “kickboard-free streets” policy currently implemented in Seoul. Additionally, he questioned the necessity of continuing the Transportation Corporation’s free bicycle rental program.
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