Taxi drivers in their 80s soared from 92 people in 2014 to 260 this year. Drivers in their 70s increased from 7,054 to 12,252 people during the same period. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Seniors are increasing in proportion among taxi drivers in Seoul.
According to Seoul city councilman Chung Ji-kwon, taxi drivers in their 80s soared from 92 people in 2014 to 260 this year. Drivers in their 70s increased from 7,054 to 12,252 people during the same period.
To ensure the safety of senior drivers, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport developed a reassessment program, undertaken by only 9 percent of the drivers at this moment.
This program obligates drivers over 65 years of age to undergo assessments to determine whether the driver is eligible for driving.
The program used to apply only to bus and truck drivers, before it was recently expanded to include taxi drivers.
Chung lauded the city’s effort to offer transportation cards to drivers over 70 years of age and encourage them to return their driver’s licenses to prevent car accidents.
“Seoul still needs to address the rapidly increasing senior population among taxi drivers,” Chung added.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
