Taxi Crisis in Daegu: Can Yu Young-ha's Policies Save the Industry?

[iNews24 reporter Lee Chang-jae] Yoo Young-ha, a People Power Party lawmaker representing Daegu Dalseo-gap and a declared candidate for Daegu mayor, met with taxi industry representatives to discuss industry challenges and potential support measures.

On March 10, Yoo met with executives and representatives of corporate and private taxi operators at the Daegu Transportation Training Center. He heard on-the-ground concerns including driver shortages, financial strain, and the need for improved transportation policies.

Executives from Daegu-area corporate and private taxi firms and other industry representatives attended and outlined the sector's challenges.

Yoo said, \"Taxis are the lifeline of residents and a key pillar of Daegu's urban economy. If the taxi industry struggles, the quality of public transportation and the local economy will suffer.\"

He added, \"Based on the views I heard on the ground, I will actively review measures to improve taxi workers' working conditions and stabilize industry management. The city of Daegu must adopt practical policies that allow the taxi sector and the city to thrive together.\"

Participants focused on structural problems: an aging driver base, fewer new drivers entering the profession, intensified competition from app-based platform taxis, and deteriorating operating conditions for both corporate and private operators.

Industry officials urged improvements to taxi workers' conditions and called for their perspectives to be more actively incorporated into transportation policy-making.

Yoo said, \"Listening directly to those on the ground and reflecting their input in policy is critical. I will consider institutional and administrative support measures to ensure the taxi industry can operate sustainably while we improve the quality of public transportation.\"

He added, \"Reviving Daegu's economy requires finding solutions on the ground. I will translate citizens' and industry voices into policy to restore the city's vitality.\"

Meanwhile, Yoo has continued visiting traditional markets, industrial complexes, and various civic and professional organizations to hear firsthand about the local economy and residents' livelihoods.