Seoul to introduce 'international taxis' for foreigners

SEOUL, April 20 (Yonhap) -- Seoul will launch special cabs for foreigners next
month that come with bilingual drivers and an on-line reservation service in a
bid to attract more tourists to the country's capital, the city government said
Monday.
The Seoul Metropolitan government said 119 "international taxis" will go into
service on May 1, equipped with interpretation services in English and Japanese
and drivers who can converse in a foreign language. A Chinese service will be
added in September, it said.
Users can call the mustard-yellow cabs via telephone (1644-2255) or the Internet
(www.internationaltaxi.co.kr), and choose the size and quality of the vehicle.
Medium-sized and full-sized cabs are available, as well as high-end taxis that
are more expensive but more comfortable, city officials said.
The number of international taxis will be increased to 300 around August, and
possibly further depending on demand.
Reservation desks and international taxi stops will also be installed at
airports, officials said.
The fare from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul using a
medium-sized cab is estimated to be 65,000 won (US$48). Normal cabs cost about
43,000 won ($32).
Cab service has been one of the most heavily criticized services among foreigners
living in or visiting South Korea, primarily because of language problems.
"The international taxi is expected to be the groundwork for Seoul's plan to
become a tourist destination," said Kim Hong-gook from the city's transportation
department. "We will listen to the complaints from foreign users and improve the
service."
brk@yna.co.kr
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