Expansion of surcharge hours for taxis mulled

Taxis could be allowed to charge more for two additional hours on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends instead of just between midnight and 4 a.m. only on weekdays, the Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said Wednesday.

The government plan is aimed at benefiting the taxi industry after former president Lee Myung-bak vetoed a bill on recognizing cabs as public transportation eligible for subsidies in vehicle and fuel purchases and using bus-only lanes. If this is approved, strong protests from passengers are expected given that it would nearly triple surcharge hours.

The ministry said it included the plan in a package of measures for the taxi industry to be discussed at a public hearing Thursday. One proposal is to extend the duration of extra surcharge hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. instead of midnight to 4 a.m., a time in which cabbies charge an extra 20 percent on fares.

Another idea is to allow taxis to impose the surcharge around the clock on weekends.

The ministry also plans to more than double the basic fare from 2,400 w0n (2.21 U.S. dollars) to 5,100 won (4.70 dollars), and allow taxis to impose a surcharge in accordance with increases in fuel prices.

The Strategy and Finance Ministry, however, said the Land Ministry has yet to consult with it on the matter.

Koreans showed a negative reaction to the plan. A 35-year-old office worker warned that the plan will "significantly increase the burden on low-income people who mostly use taxis late at night,” adding that would ride cabs less if the surcharge hours are extended.

jmpark@donga.com