Incheon mobility and safety initiatives for vulnerable users

Incheon Metropolitan City is implementing various measures to enhance safety and mobility for vulnerable populations. To improve nighttime pedestrian safety for elderly residents in rural areas, the city is distributing ‘Shining Ilbaji’ reflective work pants. A pilot program in Ganghwa County showed high demand, with 98.5% of surveyed elderly participants indicating the pants would be helpful. To mark Senior Citizens' Day, the city is hosting an online event from September 29 to October 5 to distribute the clothing and coupons. Simultaneously, the city is expanding transportation services to reduce service gaps. Plans include introducing multi-passenger special transportation vehicles by the end of 2026, capable of carrying three wheelchair users and three guardians, with full operation expected by January 2027. The city also aims to increase the total number of special transportation vehicles to 284 and expand voucher taxi availability to 350 units by 2027. Current efforts include replacing 10 aging vehicles and installing pedal misoperation prevention devices on 50 vehicles by October. In the Yeongjong area, service hours have already been expanded to 24 hours. Further improvements include broadening voucher taxi eligibility in January 2027 to include individuals with developmental disabilities and social service recipients facing cognitive or communication constraints. Recent developments highlight ongoing challenges in these areas. Research from the Incheon Institute confirms that as the population ages, elderly residents face distinct travel needs: those aged 75 and older primarily require local access to hospitals and welfare centers within a 5km radius, while the 65–74 age group requires support for regional travel and social participation. Experts recommend implementing demand-responsive transport (DRT), circular buses, and improved pedestrian environments. In the Yeongjong area, the Yeongjong District Council has demanded a reversal of recent adjustments to bus routes 205 and 206.