Base Fare for "Hope Wheels" and "Voucher Taxi" Raised by 200 Won
"Happiness Taxi" in Underserved Areas Also Up by 150 to 200 Won
Due to the increase in city bus fares in Gyeonggi Province, service fees for transportation services for vulnerable groups provided by local governments are also rising.
On November 14, the city of Siheung announced that it will raise transportation fees for vulnerable groups and residents in areas underserved by public transportation, effective January 1 next year.
The city explained that this increase is a result of the 200-won hike in standard city bus fares in Gyeonggi Province implemented on October 25. The timing was set for next year to unify the fare system and minimize confusion among users.
Accordingly, the base fare for "Hope Wheels" and "Voucher Taxi," both mobility services for vulnerable groups, will rise by 200 won each, from 1,500 won to 1,700 won for distances up to 10 kilometers. For Hope Wheels, the additional charge of 100 won per 5 kilometers beyond 10 kilometers will remain unchanged. For Voucher Taxi, only the base fare will be increased, and the fare structure for total usage exceeding 15,000 won will also remain as before.
The fare for "Happiness Taxi," which serves residents in areas underserved by public transportation, will also be adjusted. The adult fare will increase by 200 won from 1,450 won to 1,650 won, and the student fare will rise by 150 won from 1,010 won to 1,160 won.
Lim Byeongtaek, Mayor of Siheung, stated, "We will provide ample guidance before the implementation to minimize confusion caused by the fare increase," and added, "We will work even harder to improve the services of transportation for vulnerable groups and the Happiness Taxi in line with the fare hike."
The city plans to expand mobility rights for vulnerable groups and residents in underserved areas by improving vehicle accessibility, operational efficiency, and supplementing systems to enhance user convenience.
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