Gyeonggi-do Requests Cities and Counties to Lift Taxi Restrictions to Resolve Late-Night Taxi Shortage...

Late-night taxi demand increases while taxi supply remains insufficient
Various measures considered, including job fairs to expand transportation workers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 16th that it has requested cooperation from cities and counties within the province to lift taxi restrictions in order to alleviate taxi shortages during late-night hours.

This measure comes in response to the surge in taxi demand during late-night hours after the lifting of social distancing, while the number of taxi drivers has decreased, resulting in a shortage of available taxis during those hours.

According to the province, there are currently a total of 37,852 taxis operating within the province, including 27,234 private taxis and 10,618 corporate taxis. Among these, 4,522 taxis in 11 cities and counties, including Suwon City, are subject to restrictions, accounting for about 12% of all taxis.

Gwangmyeong City and Yangju City have applied restriction lifts to 846 and 392 taxis respectively, starting April 20 and May 11. Suwon City plans to change the night shift change time from midnight (24:00) to 5 a.m. starting June 1.

Some cities and counties such as Uijeongbu City, Bucheon City, and Uiwang City have expressed positive consideration for lifting restrictions and intend to take measures soon.

In particular, since the authority to lift taxi restrictions currently lies with the cities and counties under existing law, the province plans to continue discussions to enable more cities and counties to participate in lifting restrictions, thereby resolving transportation inconveniences for residents.

Additionally, considering that many taxi drivers have shifted to courier or delivery industries due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the province plans to implement various measures, including holding job fairs in cooperation with taxi corporation associations to increase the number of drivers.

Han Kyung-soo, head of the Taxi Transportation Division, stated, "We will do our best to alleviate transportation inconveniences for residents," adding, "We will continue to communicate and cooperate with cities, counties, and taxi associations to develop various measures."