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asams
Joined: 17 Nov 2008
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 Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:39 am Post subject: Taxis for Waegookins |
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http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/117_43496.html
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Seoul will introduce ``international taxis'' for tourists and expatriates living in the city from May 1. However, even before the official launch, most foreign nationals are unhappy about fares that are 20 percent higher than normal cabs.
The city will initially license 119 taxis and increase the number to 300 by August. Basically, the international taxis provide translation services in English and Japanese based on a reservation system. A Chinese service will be available from September.
``The international taxis are going to be an important part of the tourism infrastructure,'' a city official said. ``It will help reduce such problems as language barrier, rip-offs, reckless driving and unkindness.''
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The international taxi has a different fare system than regular cabs. For the meter fare system, passengers have to pay a 20 percent additional charge than fares charged by regular taxies. The taxi accepts T-Money cards and other credit cards as well, and must be reserved.
International taxis have three types ㅡ mid-size, deluxe and large-size. A fixed fare is charged from the airport to three locations downtown or vice versa. For example, it costs 65,000 won for mid-size taxis and 95,000 won for deluxe taxis from Incheon International Airport to the Gwanghwamun area, which is some 60-kilometers away.
There is a special rate for charters ㅡ 50,000 won for three hours, 80,000 won for five hours and a maximum of 200,000 won per day. |
This may be a step in the right direction re: tourism. My question is: what happens when regular taxis start refusing to service foreigners?
Do you see this as a form of discrimination, or a way to help out foreigners?
(Not sure it will happen, because this would drastically decrease their income, especially in places like Itaewon, but I could certainly see some taxi drivers doing this) |
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okokok
Joined: 27 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:47 am Post subject: |
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Obvious discrimination and I'll tell you why.
It says in the article that if the taxi isn't taken, a Korean can use the taxi at a reduced price (equivalent to a regular taxi). But in the same situation, I would be charged the higher fare. So even if my Korean is perfect, and I eat kimchi three times a day, because of the color of my skin I have to pay more. |
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asams
Joined: 17 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:51 am Post subject: |
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| wow, I totally misread that sentence. I thought it said that foreigners could take the taxi for the same rate as regular taxis if not reserved. This is obvious discrimination then. I will definitely NOT be taking these taxis, as I can get around perfectly well with the little Korean I know. I'm going to tell my friends not to take these taxis either. |
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ED209
Joined: 17 Oct 2006
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| Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:52 am Post subject: |
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| Doesn't the tourist office offer translation?(so long as you have access to a phone). This sounds like the actual driver won't be actually speaking English, just hooked up to some kind of service. And yes what happens when you speak Korean? |
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Dimitris Stylianos
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Joined: 05 Jul 2008
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