Ulsan City Taxi Basic Fare Increased to 4,500 Won… Citizens Feel Greater Burden
Ulsan City has decided to raise the basic taxi fare from 4,000 won to 4,500 won starting from March 10.
This fare increase only applies to medium taxis, and the distance and time charges, as well as the surcharge, will remain unchanged.
Citizen Reactions: "The Burden Is Heavy"
On the first day of the fare increase, it has been reported that citizens are feeling the price rise at places with high taxi demand, such as Taehwa River Station and department stores.
In particular, office workers who use taxis during rush hours feel a significant burden from the fare increase.
One citizen mentioned that the fare for a 3.1 km ride from Nam-gu Office to Taehwa River Station was 5,400 won a few days ago, but now it costs 6,100 won, stating that even short distances are now expensive.
Moreover, people who need to take taxis during times when public transport is unavailable emphasize that service improvements are required given the fare increase.
These opinions highlight the growing complaints regarding the taxi fare rise.
Meter Adjustment Confusion, Citizen Inconvenience
After the fare increase, cases have arisen where additional fees are being requested by some taxis that have not adjusted their meters, leading to rising complaints among citizens.
Mr. Jang Hyun-jae, who took a taxi near a department store, reported, “I was unaware of the fare increase and was surprised when I was asked for an additional fee upon getting off.”
Another taxi driver also stated, “I went to the Munsoo Tennis Court to adjust the meter, but there were so many taxis waiting that the waiting time extended to 2-3 hours,” and noted, “The confusion due to meter adjustments will continue until this week.”
Such a chaotic situation following the fare increase is causing inconvenience to citizens and requires prompt resolution.
Conflicting Responses from Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers have shown varied opinions regarding the recent fare increase.
Mr. A, who operates a personal taxi, is concerned that an increase in fares might lead customers to feel burdened and reduce their use of taxis. He is particularly worried about a decrease in short-distance passengers. In contrast, another driver, Mr. B, expressed a positive view, stating that if prices remain unchanged amid rising costs, drivers’ livelihoods will become difficult and any fare increase would help boost their income.
Thus, the taxi drivers have differing perspectives on the impact of the fare increase.
Ulsan City Takes Action to Minimize Citizen Inconvenience
Ulsan City announced that it has prepared various measures to minimize the impact of the fare increase on citizens.
First, notices regarding the fare increase have been attached to taxis so that passengers can recognize the changed rates in advance. Additionally, until the meter adjustments are completed, a fare conversion table will be utilized. All taxi meter adjustments are planned to be completed within four days.
A Ulsan City official stated, “We will cooperate with the transportation industry to ensure that this fare increase leads to service improvements,” and emphasized their commitment to minimizing citizens' inconveniences.
Conclusion: Fare Increase Requires Adjustment from Both Citizens and the Industry
The increase in basic taxi fare in Ulsan City is a decision reflecting rising prices and the management difficulties within the taxi industry. However, citizens are currently feeling the financial burden due to the fare hike.
Moreover, there is growing anticipation regarding the improvement in service quality as a result of the fare increase. How Ulsan City and the taxi industry prepare follow-up measures to meet these expectations is becoming a point of interest.
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