After making its debut in October 2007, the water taxi service on the Han River in Seoul is grappling with chronic deficit, according to a report from Seoul Metropolitan Government, Tuesday.

Citing the report, Rep. Kim Sung-soon of the Democratic Party said the service recorded an 800-million-won deficit last year alone, and the shortfall accumulated since its debut stands at 1.51 billion won.

The service, launched by the municipal government, is aimed at providing tourists and commuters with a convenient transport alternative, similar to those in Sydney, Australia, and Venice, Italy.

The deficit amount has snowballed every year, Kim said, criticizing the government’s carelessness in promoting the service.

“It was introduced for both commuters and tourists. But users are mostly tourists, meaning it fails to meet its initial purpose,” he said. The report showed that an average of 119 people use water taxis per day and, of them, 93 are tourists.

For more information about water taxis, call 1588-3960 or visit www.pleasantseoul.com.

pss@koreatimes.co.kr