Gimhae City will unify the fare for its accessible taxis to 1,700 won, effective November 2, regardless of distance traveled. This marks the first fare adjustment in 13 years, resulting in increased costs for some short-distance users while reducing fares for long-distance travelers.
On October 26, Gimhae officials announced the fare adjustment, taking into account changes in transportation conditions and the economic circumstances of users.
Previously, local fares ranged from a base rate of 1,200 won to a maximum of 2,400 won, depending on distance. Starting next month, a flat fee of 1,700 won will apply for each trip.
As a result, short-distance users who previously paid the base fare of 1,200 won will see an increase of 500 won, while those who paid the maximum fare of 2,400 won will save 700 won. This adjustment aims to align the fare structure of accessible taxis with that of regular city buses.
A city official explained, "The ordinance stipulates that fares for special transportation services should be based on public transportation rates, but previous changes in public transport fares were not adequately reflected. This time, we set the fare based on the current city bus fare of 1,700 won."
Future increases in city bus fares will not automatically raise the accessible taxi fare. The city plans to determine any fare adjustments through a review process by the relevant committee.
A new discount system has been established to alleviate economic burdens.
Members registered for special transportation services who qualify as basic livelihood recipients under the National Basic Living Security Act will only pay 1,000 won for local trips. To receive this discount, users must present their basic livelihood recipient certificate to the driver at the time of payment.
Individuals in the next lower income bracket are not included in the discount program, and the city will apply the discount based on the issuance of the basic livelihood recipient certificate. For trips outside the city, the existing fare calculation method will remain in place. When traveling to areas within Gyeongnam, the fare will be based on the corresponding intercity bus fare, while trips to Busan will be charged according to the taxi meter, ranging from a base of 2,400 won to a maximum of 10,000 won.
Even if the actual meter fare from Gimhae to Busan reaches 50,000 to 60,000 won, the user's payment will not exceed 10,000 won.
This fare adjustment plan was finalized following a review and decision by the Accessible Transportation Improvement Committee on October 1. The city has established the legal basis for implementation through the committee's review and public announcement of the changes.
Alongside the fare system overhaul, improvements are also needed to address dispatch delays for accessible taxis.
Currently, Gimhae operates 50 accessible taxis 24 hours a day, exceeding the legal requirement of 46 vehicles. This fleet supports the everyday transportation needs of individuals with mobility challenges, including trips to medical appointments and work.
However, demand for services peaks during the morning hours when many users seek rides for medical appointments, leading to longer wait times for dispatch.
Despite having more vehicles than legally required, both the number of operating vehicles and available drivers are insufficient to meet actual demand.
A city official stated in a phone interview, "There are many people wanting to use the service, but the limited number of vehicles and drivers cannot keep up with the demand. Especially in the mornings, when requests for medical appointments surge, wait times are extended."
The official expressed regret over the long wait times, stating, "We are investing significantly in the budget and continuously seeking ways to reduce wait times, so we ask for users' understanding."
To minimize confusion regarding the fare changes, the city is distributing informational materials to local offices and disability-related organizations, and is also announcing the changes on its website.
Organizations such as the Center for Independent Living for the Disabled are informing their members about the fare changes via text messages, and the city is considering sending additional messages to users.
A city official emphasized, "Accessible taxis are an essential transportation welfare service that connects the daily lives of citizens. We will listen to users' voices and work to create a safer and more convenient transportation environment."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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