[Report] "Short-distance and night passengers drop"... One Month After Taxi Fare Increase

Articles "Income Similar or Decreased Due to Fewer Customers"
Citizens "Avoid or Minimize Taxi Use"

Around 11 p.m. on the 1st, near Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Taxis with red "Empty" indicator lights were lined up at the entrances of alleys leading into the bustling district. It was hard to believe that just over a month ago, people were struggling to catch taxis here. Some taxis waited in line for about 10 minutes before moving on to other locations. People walking toward bus stops and subway stations glanced at the lined-up taxis but only a few actually boarded them. When a group of intoxicated people tried to catch a taxi, someone pulled them back, saying the subway was still running. Taxi driver Choi (59), who was waiting for passengers, sighed, saying, "Since the fare increase, both passengers and income have decreased. It's safe to say there are almost no passengers late at night," before turning the wheel and leaving the line to find passengers elsewhere.

Around 11:35 PM on the 1st, near Jonggak Station. Taxis with red "Empty" signs lit up are lined up at the entrances of alleys leading into the busy district.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

It has been a month since the taxi fare increase, but both taxi drivers and passengers expressed doubts about its effectiveness and showed their frustration. According to Seoul City, from 4 a.m. on the 1st of last month, the basic fare for medium-sized taxis in Seoul rose from 3,800 won to 4,800 won, an increase of 1,000 won (26.3%). This is the first basic fare increase in four years since February 2019. Overall operating costs also increased. The basic distance was reduced from the current 2 km to 1.6 km, and the distance fare standard changed from 100 won per 132 meters to 100 won per 131 meters, shortening by 1 meter. The time fare also became more expensive, changing from 100 won per 31 seconds to 100 won per 30 seconds.

Taxi drivers agreed that after the fare increase, the number of passengers sharply declined, resulting in income that was similar to or even less than before. Jo (63) said, "When only the surcharge increased, night passengers decreased a bit, so income went up. But after the taxi fare increase, passengers dropped sharply both day and night," adding, "I don't know why they raised the fare. I'm just relieved that I recently started receiving the national pension."

Another taxi driver, Kim (64), also said, "Income is similar or slightly less. Young passengers, short-distance rides, and night passengers have clearly decreased, and only those using corporate cards seem to ride as before. After the last bus and subway times, it's safe to say there are almost no passengers," he reported.

Around 11:30 PM on the 1st, near Jonggak Station. Taxis with red "Empty" signs lit up are lined up at the entrances of alleys leading into the busy district.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

Citizens said they are minimizing taxi usage due to high inflation combined with the taxi fare increase. Office worker Jung (27) said, "I live alone, and heating and food costs have gone up a lot. Around this time last year, heating cost about 40,000 won, but this time it was 80,000 won. Food costs are almost 10,000 won wherever I go," adding, "Since I can't cut back on eating and sleeping, I reduced my taxi rides from once or twice a day. Last week, I didn't take a taxi at all."

Kang (31), who was waiting for a bus near Jonggak Station, said, "I used to take taxis about five times a week, but after the fare increase, I only take them two or three times. Even when I have no choice, I hesitate a lot," adding, "I try to finish drinking gatherings within the time buses and subways operate."

Some taxi drivers expect that although it is difficult now, earnings will improve in the long term due to the fare increase. Kim said, "Since the fare increase is recent, passengers probably have strong resistance. Over time, they might get used to it, and taxi usage could increase," he hoped.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.