Since the enactment of the Act on the Rights of Transport-Disadvantaged Persons in 2005, the need to enhance the efficiency of the transportation system has grown due to increasing travel demands and complex urban structures. There is also a pressing need to better address diverse transportation requirements. Existing categories for transport-disadvantaged individuals are focused on physical limitations and infrastructure, which could not fully capture evolving demands arising from recent societal changes.
This study aimed to redefine the concept of transport-disadvantaged individuals by broadening it beyond physical vulnerabilities to include economic disadvantages as well as socioeconomic and technological factors. It characterised these individuals as "groups experiencing mobility challenges." This study concentrated on three main groups: the elderly, long-distance commuters and late-night travelers. By analysing characteristics and travel behaviors of each group, issues within current services and policies were identified and measures for improvement were proposed.
Firstly, while older adults have traditionally been considered part of the transport-disadvantaged, most policies for this group have primarily focused on individuals with disabilities. As a result, older adults continue to face significant travel challenges. Given Seoul’s rapidly aging population, public efforts should include expanding escalators to facilitate transit use, improving pedestrian walkways for a more comfortable experience and providing new short-distance mobility options such as electric wheelchairs. Concurrently, the private sector should develop subscription-based chauffeur services to offer a comfortable alternative for older drivers, thereby reducing their reliance on personal vehicles.
Secondly, as Seoul’s transportation infrastructure has improved and property prices have risen, many citizens are forced to endure long commutes, leading to a lower quality of life and reduced family satisfaction compared to those with shorter commutes. However, most policies addressing long-distance commuting focus on the metropolitan area while offering limited support for intra-city commuters in Seoul. While long-distance commuters require ongoing infrastructure investment, short-term solutions are also crucial due to high costs and lengthy construction timelines associated with new projects. Since overcrowded transit is the most significant inconvenience for long-distance commuters, careful planning is essential to establish target service levels and provide compensation for meeting these targets, thereby enhancing quality of life and making public transit more appealing.
Lastly, some citizens must travel late at night due to work obligations. They face limited transit options, increased accident risks and heightened stress. These late-night travelers can also be considered transport-disadvantaged. Although many citizens have pushed for extended subway hours, this is impractical due to maintenance needs and high operational costs. However, studies have demonstrated that many citizens are willing to pay around half the cost of a taxi fare for shared Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) services. This suggests that (DRT) services could effectively meet late-night mobility needs. Implementing demand-responsive services during late-night hours could provide significant convenience to residents, particularly to those residing in northeastern Seoul, where taxi availability is scarce.