Driverless vehicles include one for the handicapped

A driverless vehicle for people with disabilities is being tested in Sangam-dong, a western Seoul district being used as a pilot zone for autonomous cars, a first for the country.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday that a total of seven driverless vehicles will ply a designated route in the self-driving test bed area of Sangam-dong in Mapo District, western Seoul, starting Thursday, up from four already in use. They are a combination of minibuses and cars.

Among them, a vehicle that can be used by people in wheelchairs will be introduced. The customized van has a lifting platform at the back to help people in wheelchairs get in and out. Seoul wants to improve transportation for the disabled, the city explained.