Tokyo Taxi Fares Go Up Due To Rising Costs
Taxi fares in central Tokyo have gone up for the first time in 15 years amid rising operation costs.
The initial fare rose Monday by nearly 20 percent. It went from 420 yen, or about 3 dollars, to 500 yen, or 3 dollars and 60 cents.
Additional fares also rose. Taxis had charged 80 yen, or about 60 cents, per 233 meters. The fare is now 100 yen, or some 70 cents, per 255 meters.
The new rates apply in the capital's 23 wards and two adjacent cities of Musashino and Mitaka.
The transport ministry's approval of fare increases comes in response to rising fuel and personnel costs and fewer passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Investments in new devices to deal with taxi booking apps and cashless payments also added to the costs.
At a taxi firm in Suginami Ward, employees were busy from early morning changing taxi meter settings and posting stickers showing the new starting fare.
The firm's president says he feels a mixture of anxiety and hope as he wonders how passengers will respond.
He says his firm will try to improve services so customers will feel satisfied.