Seoul Aims to Operate Entire Bus Fleet as Low-Floor Buses by 2030 Through Ordinance Revision

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has deliberated and resolved a promulgation bill for ordinances and rules aimed at operating its entire bus fleet using low-floor buses.

Seoul held council meetings on ordinances and rules on July 7 and September 28, where it deliberated and voted on the promulgation bills.

A total of 34 ordinances (4 enactments and 30 revisions) will be promulgated today.

Additionally, 7 rules (2 enactments and 5 revisions) will be promulgated on October 15.

The newly revised "Ordinance on the Promotion of Mobility Convenience for Vulnerable Persons in Seoul" changes its title to the "Ordinance on Guaranteeing Mobility Rights for Vulnerable Persons in Seoul" and specifies that all Seoul buses must operate as low-floor buses.

For routes granted exceptions from operating low-floor buses, the revised ordinance requires the establishment of measures to resolve the reasons for the exception and alternative mobility support plans.

As of the end of last year, the proportion of low-floor buses among Seoul's total bus fleet stood at 79.4%.

Following the ordinance revision, Seoul aims to replace its entire bus fleet with low-floor buses by 2030.

Furthermore, the ordinance stipulates that by 2030, the combined number of special transportation vehicles and regular taxis equipped with wheelchair lift facilities must secure at least double the number of special transportation vehicles calculated according to statutory standards.

Previously in August, the Democratic Party of Korea in the Seoul Metropolitan Council pledged to enact ordinances to guarantee mobility rights for people with disabilities and provide jobs, which included operating all Seoul buses as low-floor buses.

In addition, the newly enacted "Ordinance on Fire Prevention and Response in Large-Scale Underground Spaces in Seoul" designates it as the mayor's duty to establish and implement effective fire prevention and prompt response measures for large-scale underground spaces.

A partial revision of the "Ordinance on Service Regulations for Officials of the Seoul Metropolitan Council" added the care of children or grandchildren—from their graduation from daycare centers or similar facilities until their admission to higher-level schools—as a valid reason for family care leave.

Additionally, a partial revision of the "Ordinance on Supporting Recyclable Material Collectors and Managers in Seoul" includes national merit recipients in need of livelihood support as priority candidates for selection as recyclable material collectors and managers.

Furthermore, a partial revision of the "Ordinance on the Provision and Promotion of Use of Data in Seoul" enables the mayor to collect and utilize big data on crowd density, movement time, and traffic volume for efficient crowd management.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.