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The number of taxi rides in Seoul dropped by six percent this year due to fare hikes, with taxi usage being the second lowest in five years. The changes led passengers to opt for buses and subways instead.
A customer walks to grab a taxi in front of Seoul Station on Wednesday, the first time in four years the base fare for taxis in Seoul were raised, going from 3,800 won to 4,800 won.
The standard fare for mid-sized taxis in Seoul will increase from 3,800 won to 4,800 won ($3.40), while the basic distance will also be decreased from the current 2 kilometers to 1.6 kilometers. This will be applied from February next year.
As President Yoon Suk-yeol promised to remove stifling regulations, the government must turn to innovation to enhance public welfare instead of translating growing costs to the public.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will discuss raising taxi fees as demand for taxi rides surge during late night hours and the number of taxi drivers falls.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap