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| Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon checks a child car seat installed in a passenger van, Monday, two days before the city government's new taxi service began providing certified car seats on Wednesday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government |
By Jun Ji-hye
The Seoul Metropolitan Government began to offer taxis equipped with car seats for children under the age of 24 months, starting Wednesday.
The new taxi service uses passenger vans equipped with car seats marked with Korea Certification from the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards. The vans also offer air purifiers, hand sanitizer and protective shielding.
The city government said it took extra care to manage the vehicles in a sanitary way to protect children with weak immune systems.
The taxi service is part of the comprehensive child care assistance project pushed by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.
Parents with children under the age of two can apply for the service using the i.M. mobile application.
Besides parents, those who are directly involved in raising children, including grandparents, can also use the taxi service.
The city government offers vouchers worth 100,000 won ($76) per child to support the use of the taxi service. A 200,000 won voucher is offered for twins.
Those who are unable to digitally access the service can apply for a voucher in person by visiting nearby community service centers, and by calling 1688-7722 for one of the taxis.
The new taxi service will be carried out on a pilot basis in 16 districts this year and expanded to all parts of the capital next year.
The 16 districts are Gangdong, Gangbuk, Gangseo, Gwanak, Gwangjin, Geumcheon, Dobong, Dongdaemun, Mapo, Seocho, Seongdong, Seongbuk, Yangcheon, Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan and Jungnang.
The city government selected the 16 districts after carrying out a demand survey.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon checked preparations for the service on Monday, two days before its launch.
"Going around with babies is exhausting work. I hope our new taxi service will make it more enjoyable," the mayor said. "We will continue to give efforts to create a baby-friendly environment so parents can feel comfortable when traveling with babies."
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