Driverless vehicles include one for the handicapped

Social Affairs

Published: 20 Jul. 2022, 18:28 Updated: 20 Jul. 2022, 18:37

Driverless vehicles include one for the handicapped

This picture, provided by Seoul City, shows a self-driving vehicle for wheelchair users to be operated starting Thursday. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

A driverless vehicle for people with disabilities is being tested in Sangam-dong, a western Seoul district being used as a pilot zone for autonomous cars, a first for the country.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday that a total of seven driverless vehicles will ply a designated route in the self-driving test bed area of Sangam-dong in Mapo District, western Seoul, starting Thursday, up from four already in use. They are a combination of minibuses and cars.

Among them, a vehicle that can be used by people in wheelchairs will be introduced. The customized van has a lifting platform at the back to help people in wheelchairs get in and out. Seoul wants to improve transportation for the disabled, the city explained.

In addition, new routes connecting nearby subway stations and parks will be added. The routes run a total of 7.8 kilometers, stopping at World Cup Stadium Station, Guryong Crossing, Haneul Park entrance, Nanjicheon Park entrance, World Cup Park Complex 4, and Digital Media City Station.

Fares are set at 1,200 won ($0.9) for driverless buses.

For cars, including the van for the disabled, fares are set at 2,000 won regardless of the number of passengers and the distance traveled.

Vehicles can be summoned through the autonomous vehicle application TAP!, which can be downloaded from Apple’s iOS App Store or Google’s Android Play Store.

Ever since Seoul City kicked off its self-driving car service on Feb. 10, a total of 1,578 passengers used it as of the end of June, which is a daily average of 14 people, according to the city.

“As the leading city for self-driving, we will increase our competitiveness to demonstrate autonomous driving technology with private companies beyond Sangam-dong to all of Seoul,” said Baek Ho, deputy mayor at City Transportation Office at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]