[iNews24 Reporter Lee Chang-jae] Rep. Choo Kyung-ho of the People Power Party, a candidate in the Daegu mayoral primary, unveiled his "Safe Taxi, City of Daegu" pledge on the 19th, centering on service innovation and improved driver safety.
"We wish a speedy recovery to the driver and passenger who were taken to the hospital after the recent traffic accident," Rep. Choo said. "Assaults on taxi drivers by intoxicated passengers are a serious social problem that endangers citizens' lives." He added that because taxis are the mode of transport closest to residents, service innovation and enhanced safety must proceed together.
The pledge focuses on digital innovation and strengthening safety on the ground.
First, he proposes building an integrated platform that handles everything from taxi hailing and dispatch to fare payment and complaint resolution in a single system. The platform would link app-based hails, card and mobile payments, lost-and-found reporting, and complaints about rude or reckless driving to substantially improve convenience for residents.
He also prioritized measures to protect drivers. The plan calls for a phased expansion of safety equipment — including dash cameras, AI driver-assist systems, emergency call devices, external alert lights and protective partitions — with priority given to vehicles operating overnight and in vulnerable areas.
Responses to verbal and physical attacks by intoxicated passengers will be strengthened as well. The proposal would create an emergency response system that immediately links the national 112 emergency dispatch, traffic control centers and the taxi industry, and it would coordinate with police to pursue strict action against repeat offenders.
"Assaults on taxi drivers are not mere complaints; they are clear crimes," Rep. Choo said. "When risks persist in the field, national and local governments must share responsibility and work to reduce them."
He also plans to expand safe rest shelters for drivers during evening and late-night hours, increase patrols and establish dedicated response teams for vulnerable areas. Combined with driver training on accident prevention and access to counseling services, these measures aim to improve working conditions for taxi personnel.
"Change begins with the transport people use every day," he said. "Innovating taxi services and strengthening driver safety will enhance public safety and raise the city's standing."
He pledged, "We will make sure passengers feel that 'Daegu has changed' from the moment they get into a taxi."
