The Seoul City government announced on the 6th that it will begin pilot operation of 'Donghaeng Ondacall Taxi' for the digitally disadvantaged starting at 2 p.m. on the 7th.
'Donghaeng Ondacall Taxi' is a service for the elderly and others who are not familiar with using smartphone taxi-hailing apps. It can be used from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and users can simply call the call center to state their departure and destination. The call center's phone number is 1855-0120. The city plans to consider operating the service 24 hours after the pilot period.
The call center staff member will enter the information into the web dispatch system of 'Ondataxi,' operated by Tmoney Mobility, which will dispatch nearby taxis to the passenger. Once the dispatch is confirmed, relevant information such as vehicle location, vehicle number, and driver's contact information will be sent to the passenger via KakaoTalk notification or text message.
The Seoul City government anticipates smooth vehicle dispatch as about 36,000 of the 71,000 taxis in Seoul are registered with Tmoney Mobility's Ondataxi.
Detailed information about the Donghaeng Ondacall Taxi can be found on the Tmoney Mobility website (www.tmoneymobility.co.kr).
Yeojangkwon, the Director of the Seoul City Transportation Bureau, stated, "We are exploring various ways to improve mobility for citizens facing difficulties with digital devices" and said, "We will continue to develop services to ensure the mobility rights of the disadvantaged."
According to a survey by the Seoul Institute last year, over 60% of individuals in their 20s and 30s use apps to hail taxis, while 80% of those aged 60 and older mainly use taxis that are hailed on the street.