Taxi Regulations

[Anchor Lead]

The national basic taxi fare will be raised to 3,800 won starting next weekend, prompting calls for better service. In that regard, two new services will be introduced this month - Waygo Blue that accept any passengers and Waygo Lady for women passengers only.

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Drivers of this taxi cannot pick and choose its passenger. When a passenger hails a cab, a nearby taxi will be automatically be assigned to the passenger. The cab driver finds out the destination only after the passenger gets onboard.

[Soundbite] Lee Tae-gyeong(Taxi and Logistics Division, Seoul Metropolitan Gov't) : "Refusing passengers will be completely banned. Drivers not following this rule will be fired."

This taxi equipped with a baby car seat is for ladies only. The driver is also a woman. Boys up to sixth grade can also ride in the cab when accompanied by a female guardian. The Waygo Lady taxi service must be reserved a day ahead.

[Soundbite] Lee Ji-eun(Taxi Passenger) : "I go to the pediatrician's office a lot. I can arrange doctor's visits so that I can easily make taxi reservations."

Waygo Blue and Waygo Lady taxi services will be launched this month in the Seoul area. A passenger has to pay an extra 2,000 to 3,000 won for added service on top of taxi fare. The cab drivers will be paid monthly salaries.

[Soundbite] Lee Sang-eui(Waygo Blue Driver) : "Since I don't have to pay the cab company a portion of my earnings, I don't need to refuse passengers or pick only profitable destinations. It's a big relief."

The ride solution company plans to test-run twenty Waygo Lady taxis and 300 Waygo Blue taxis for three months before determining whether to continue providing these services.