In Seoul, passengers pay a minimum of three-thousand won when they take a taxi. <br />But that basic fare is expected to rise substantially this year.<br />It's hoped that the increase will improve taxi drivers' working conditions.<br />The capital's residents, however, seem generally unhappy about the plan.<br />Our Park Hee-jun went to gauge public opinion... and filed this report.<br /> The Seoul Metropolitan Government is in the process of hiking the basic taxi fare within the city.<br /> At present it's three-thousand won or two dollars 80 cents,... but the city government is pushing to raise the fare to either 3,900 or 4,500 won. <br /> The plan is being considered to reflect inflation and to enhance taxi drivers' working conditions by raising their relatively low income.<br /><br /> "The Seoul City government promised to raise taxi fares every two years, but they've remained the same for many years now. It's already overdue, and especially with inflation,... I think a higher fare is reasonable."<br /><br /> "Seoul City recognizes the need to raise taxi fares. And it says the increase will be followed by better service. But the public, who think that taking a cab is already expensive as it is,... appear to have a relatively negative opinion of the plan."<br /><br /> "Raising the basic fare would be burdensome for students and the unemployed. I think more people would prefer to use public transportation and it would end up negatively affecting the taxi industry."<br /><br />The government is also pushing to extend nighttime charges.<br /> The extra charges are currently applied at midnight, but the starting point is likely to be pulled down to 10PM or 11PM. <br /> Many Seoulites dislike the idea,... as living in a city that never sleeps often requires them to grab a cab late at night.<br /><br /> "As a student, I don't take taxis that often at night. But if the new plan is implemented, I definitely won't be taking them at all late at night."<br /><br /> "If night time charges are extended, wouldn't that force young people to go home earlier? I personally like that idea. But still,... 10PM is too early as many people in Seoul use transportation until very late at night."<br /><br /> "Extending the period of night time charges will affect many people, especially students whose classes end late. I would also want to go home earlier to avoid paying extra costs."<br /><br />If the policy takes effect, it would be the first hike in five years and the largest increase since 2001.<br /> Although the policy is still under discussion,... the fare increase is likely to be implemented this year-- possibly in July after the local elections.<br />Park Hee-jun, Arirang News. <br />
