More 100 won cabs take to country roads

"Happiness Taxi" that runs in remote towns of Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. / Yonhap

Authorities across the country are introducing 100-won cab fares to improve transport in rural areas.

The measure has been introduced to replace bus services that have stopped because of falling population.

In Gyeonggi Province, 112 towns in Icheon, Anseong, Pocheon, Yeoju, Yangpyeong and Gapyeong will run 98 taxis.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil had promised to introduce the affordable taxi service. Farming and fishing villages will be the last stops.

The 100 won cab fare will sometimes be the same as the bus fare.

The provincial, city and country offices will make up the difference between the 100 won fare and what the fare would normally be.

The 100 won service started in Seocheon County and Asan City in South Chungcheong Province in 2013.

Since South Jeolla Province Governor Lee Nak-ton took office, pledging to introduce the cheap fares, the service has spread from South Jeolla Province to across the country.

“The taxi services help residents get around, are useful in cases of emergency and will also help taxi businesses,” a spokesman said.

The taxi drivers, who were struggling, also benefit from having more passengers.