Recently, a citizen suggested installing sensors on subway seats reserved for pregnant women to detect if the occupant is pregnant.
However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation have raised concerns, pointing out that there are no legal grounds to prevent general passengers from sitting on reserved seats. They also noted that such a move could potentially fuel more conflicts.
On the 5th, a proposal was posted on Seoul’s policy suggestion site Imagine Seoul. The author identified as Kim, stated, “The original intention of the seats reserved for pregnant women is being overlooked as they are often used by general passengers, making the system for such seats merely symbolic.” They added, “Due to the existence of these designated seats, it’s difficult to expect more consideration for pregnant women in general seating areas.”
Kim proposed, “Let’s attach sensors to detect if someone is sitting on the seat reserved for pregnant women and install card readers on both sides of the seat.” If a passenger without a pregnancy card is detected sitting down, a beep sound will be emitted along with a voice saying, “Please tag your pregnancy card.” Kim also suggested that if the card is not tagged, a light should come on under the seat.
The post received sympathetic comments, such as, “During my first pregnancy, I saw too many general passengers sitting in the seats reserved for pregnant women. I hope this is implemented.”
Urban railways in Busan and Gwangju have introduced a similar system.
However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is hesitant to implement this system immediately. There is no legal basis to prevent general passengers from sitting in seats reserved for pregnant women, and if lights or warning sounds are repeatedly emitted, it could lead to complaints from other passengers.
The cost is a significant concern. Installing such devices on all seats reserved for pregnant women in the Seoul subway, which is larger in scale than other regions, would incur substantial expenses.
The Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation told Newsis, “We have considered introducing artificial devices, but there is a risk that it could be perceived as forcing a specific group to sit in seats reserved for those in need, potentially leading to conflicts between genders or generations.” They added, “Given the installation cost of $3.9 million and an annual maintenance fee of $170,000, we are consistently working to improve citizen awareness through campaigns for seats reserved for pregnant women.”
Meanwhile, the seats designated for pregnant women in the Seoul subway were introduced in 2013 to promote pregnancy and childbirth and foster a culture of consideration toward pregnant women.
However, issues related to the reserved seats continue. The number of related complaints received by the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation was recorded at 7,334 in 2022 and 7,086 in 2023. So far this year, 2,421 complaints have been received until last month.
