Kia PV5 WAV-based 'Universal Design Taxi' to Begin Pilot Operation in Seoul City from July

*This content was translated by AI.

A Kia PV5 WAV-based 'Universal Design (UD) Taxi,' which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers, will begin its pilot operation in Seoul city for the first time in Korea starting in July.

Kia announced its participation in the UD taxi pilot operation to be implemented by Seoul City from July 1. The UD taxis introduced this time are a new transportation model adopted by Seoul City for the first time nationwide, allowing not only wheelchair users but also general passengers to board conveniently, unlike existing wheelchair call taxis. The pilot vehicles, Kia PV5 WAV, feature a low-floor design based on a dedicated platform and a spacious interior, and have adopted a side-entry boarding method to accommodate wheelchair users, equipped with wheelchair securing devices inside the vehicle.

Additionally, the vehicle is designed to allow a guardian to ride in the third row to assist the wheelchair user. Before introducing the vehicles, Kia and Seoul City gathered opinions from the taxi industry and held several demonstration sessions for wheelchair users. Seoul City plans to operate a total of 12 UD taxis for six months from July to December. The vehicles will be prioritized for dispatch to severely mobility-impaired individuals, while general passengers can use them in the same manner and at the same cost as existing medium-sized taxis. Seoul City intends to decide on the future expansion of UD taxi operations based on customer data such as usage records and satisfaction collected during the pilot operation period.

Kia plans to promote cooperation with other local governments regarding vehicle distribution and operations, starting with its collaboration with Seoul City. This pilot operation was established to address the shortage of wheelchair call taxis and to effectively respond to the mobility needs of transportation-disadvantaged groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities. It is expected that a transportation system allowing both transportation-disadvantaged individuals and general passengers to share vehicles will be built, similar to the UK's Black Cab or Japan's Japan Taxi. Furthermore, as a single vehicle can provide both mobility support for people with disabilities and general taxi services, it is expected to contribute to maximizing operational efficiency and improving profitability in the taxi industry.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.