{
  "id": 6717073,
  "title": "Seoul expands phone access to taxi service for digitally vulnerable residents",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/seoul-expands-phone-access-to-taxi-service-for-digitally-vulnerable",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T06:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260911/seoul-expands-phone-access-to-taxi-service-for-digitally-vulnerable-residents"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul is making taxi service more accessible to digitally vulnerable residents by allowing them to hail a cab through a simple phone call. The 120 Dasan Call Foundation has introduced an automated route that enables callers to reach the 120 Companion Call Taxi center by dialing 02-120 and pressing 6 when prompted. Since the new system launched on August 13, 4,423 calls have been successfully connected to the dedicated center through August 31. Prior to the change, callers had to interact with a counselor before being transferred, a process which the foundation claims has been streamlined to enhance accessibility. In the six days prior to the new system's introduction, from August 7-12, the dedicated center received 750 calls, averaging 125 per day. Following the change, 948 calls were connected within six days, raising the daily average to approximately 160. The 120 Companion Call Taxi service, launched by Seoul in July 2025, enables users to request a nearby taxi by phone without requiring a smartphone app.",
  "summary": "In one of the world's most hyper-digitized capitals, Seoul is turning back the clock — letting residents and visitors hail a taxi with a simple phone call instead of a smartphone app. The 120 Dasan Call Foundation has added a dedicated automated route, allowing callers to reach the 120 Companion Call Taxi center directly by dialing 02-120 and pressing 6 when prompted. Since Aug. 13, when the new…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seoul expands taxi access via phone call for digitally vulnerable residents.",
    "4,423 calls connected to 120 Companion Call Taxi center since August 13.",
    "Daily average increased from 125 to 160 calls after system launch."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Seoul's new automated phone system streamlines access to its Companion Call Taxi service, enhancing mobility for digitally vulnerable residents by reducing steps needed to hail a cab.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul expands phone access to taxi service for digitally vulnerable residents",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/seoul-expands-phone-access-to-taxi-service-for-digitally-vulnerable-6718454",
        "published": "2026-09-11T06:37:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}