The starting fare for a taxi ride around inner Seoul would likely go up by 27 percent to 3,800 won ($3.34) and charge extra 42 percent after the clock turns 11:00 p.m., according to an agreement reached between the Seoul metropolitan administration and cab operators.

The Seoul Metropolitan government on Tuesday said the proposed revision on taxi fares will soon be submitted to the city council for approval.

Under the proposal, the starting fare will be upped to 3,800 won from 3,000 won, and a ride from 11:00 p.m. will cost 5,400 won, a sharp hike from current 3,500 won with the after-dark surcharge going up from current 17 percent to 42 percent and starting from 11:00 p.m. instead of midnight. The fare is normalized past 4:00 a.m. To prevent denial of passengers for short distance, after-dark base ride would be extended to 3 kilometers from current 2.

The last time cab fare rose in Seoul was 2013 when the city administered 25 percent hike.

By Na Hyun-joon and Lee Ha-yeon

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]