Kia PV5 WAV-based UD Taxi Runs on Seoul Streets
The Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and the general public, will operate on the streets of Seoul for the first time in South Korea.
Kia announced that it will participate in the pilot operation of the ‘Universal Design (UD) Taxi’ that the Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch starting Wednesday, July 1.
The UD Taxi is a transportation model introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, a vehicle that, unlike existing disabled-only call taxis, can be conveniently used by both wheelchair users and general passengers.
The PV5 WAV introduced in the UD Taxi pilot operation is a model embodying Kia’s commitment to providing greater freedom of movement for the transportation vulnerable, equipped with optimal convenience and safety features for wheelchair users.
Features include: ▲A universal design electric vehicle accessible to both general passengers and wheelchair users ▲A low-floor design based on the EGMP.S dedicated platform and a spacious interior ▲A side entry method considering the convenience of wheelchair users and a device for securing the wheelchair to the vehicle ▲A structure allowing an attendant to sit in the third row to assist the wheelchair user.
Prior to the pilot operation, Kia, together with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, listened to opinions from the taxi industry and conducted several demonstration sessions targeting wheelchair users for the introduction of the UD Taxi.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate 12 UD Taxis based on the PV5 WAV from July to December. Priority dispatch will be given to people with severe walking disabilities, while general passengers can use the service in the same way and at the same cost as existing mid-sized taxis.
Customer data, including usage performance and satisfaction levels, collected during the six-month pilot operation will be used to decide whether to expand the UD Taxi operation in the future.
Starting with the UD Taxi pilot operation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Kia plans to promote cooperation on vehicle supply and operation with other local governments.
Addressing the shortage of disabled call taxis and maximizing operational efficiency in the taxi industry
Kia and the Seoul Metropolitan Government anticipate that through this UD Taxi pilot operation cooperation, they can effectively respond to the increasing mobility demands of the transportation vulnerable, such as disabled and elderly populations, by alleviating the shortage of disabled call taxis.
In overseas cases, UD Taxis such as the UK’s ‘Black Cab’ and Japan’s ‘Japan Taxi’ have become established as everyday transportation means used by both the transportation vulnerable and general passengers.
Furthermore, by enabling a single vehicle to support the mobility of disabled people as well as operate as a regular taxi, it is expected to help improve operational efficiency and profitability for the taxi industry.
