Sokcho City has introduced special transportation services for pregnant women, allowing them and their companions to access transport not only within the city but also to Seoul.
Sokcho City in South Korea has expanded its special transportation services to include pregnant women, enabling them to travel more conveniently. Previously, this service was limited to the disabled, the elderly over 65, and temporary wheelchair users. The revision of the city ordinance now allows pregnant women, along with their family members or caregivers, to use this service by registering with local health centers or community centers using relevant documents.
The special transportation service, which has been in operation since 2014, is designed to ensure the mobility rights of those who face challenges in accessing conventional public transportation. Currently, Sokcho operates a fleet of specially modified vehicles, including four taxicabs and fourteen 5-seater Carnival vans. The service is available 24/7 and is affordably priced, aiming to facilitate easier access to healthcare services, particularly in distant Seoul locations where many residents seek medical attention.
The Sokcho City government hopes that this initiative will enhance the safety and convenience of travel for pregnant women, thereby making the city a more favorable place for families to live and raise children. The transportation extension to Seoul is expected to address the needs of expectant mothers visiting hospitals in the capital, reinforcing the commitment to support families in the region.
