The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) decides that not installing convenience facilities to support wheelchair users in a City Tour Bus which a private company operates on behalf of “A” Metropolitan city constitutes discrimination against persons with disabilities since persons concerned are not able to use the bus due to lack of such boarding aid. Thus, NHRCK recommended the mayor of “A” Metropolitan city to equip city tour buses with facilities for persons with disabilities.
A petitioner, Ms. Park (57) filed a petition before NHRCK on April 2011 claiming that she could not get on a City Tour bus due to lack of necessary facility for wheelchair users.
NHRCK notes that the City Tour bus is a public transportation for sightseeing which should be available for all people including persons with disabilities.
Although “A” city explained a bus driver or a guide helped wheelchair users to get on the bus, NHRCK notes that a person with disability would feel a shame while being carried on the helper’s back to get on the bus and also there is a high risk of negligent accident.
In addition, given that the installation price of wheelchair lift is within 30 million won, NHRCK believes “A” city has financial capacity to afford it.
Therefore, NHRCK decided the fact persons with disabilities using a wheelchair cannot enjoy the same service due to lack of wheelchair lift in a City Tour bus compared to persons who does not need to use a traveling aid constitutes discrimination and thus made a recommendation.
