Seoul improves inclusive infrastructure
Date
2022-04-25
Writer
seoulsolution
- The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will begin improving traffic convenience for those with mobility impairment, such as persons with disabilities and the elderly, through inclusive infrastructure covering public transport and pedestrian environments. Transport infrastructure will be greatly expanded so all citizens can travel conveniently and safely, paying close attention to daily urban spaces for pedestrians to feel more secure.
- For this, Seoul will improve direct access station connections by installing elevators in subway stations. Although the installation of elevators for the Seoul Metro subway system is 99.4% complete, the city’s direct access station connection policy will be expanded from the current 93.6% to 100% by 2024 to realistically increase accessibility for the mobility impaired, including persons with disabilities.
- The city will focus on securing direct access station connections as well as facility maintenance so that all citizens can conveniently use the subway in all stations in Seoul. As for city buses, the city will increase the rate of low-floor buses to 100% by 2025 through the phased introduction of 6,564 buses.
- Additionally, the city will establish a smart bus boarding system to assist the boarding of passengers with mobility impairment, such as the visually impaired. The smart bus boarding system will allow passengers to easily book buses through a smartphone app with various convenient features such as automatic voice services as well as pressing the public portable bus bell remote. Furthermore, the wait time for wheelchair-accessible dispatch taxis will be greatly reduced from 32 to 25 minutes.
- The city will continue to conduct projects that enhance pedestrian convenience for citizens with mobility impairment. Braille blocks bordering crosswalks will be maintained for those who are visually impaired to easily recognize crossings, and sidewalk curbs will be lowered for those in wheelchairs to move without any obstacle.
- The city will contribute to enhancing the safety of visually impaired pedestrians by installing additional audible street signals. Based on areas with a high population of visually impaired pedestrians and frequently used facilities such as social welfare centers, 600 additional signals will be installed this year as well as making the usage of audible street signals mandatory when installing new crosswalks for safety concerns.