Seoul City to ban overcharging taxis

Seoul City will expel dozens of overcharging international taxis and take measures to crack down on similar cabs in the city, officials said Monday.

The city said it would weed out 52 international taxis that have ripped off in-city passengers by secretly pressing the 25 percent intercity surcharge button when traveling only within the capital.

International taxis are allowed two options: surcharging 20 percent for having foreign passengers or adding a 25 percent surcharge for heading outer-city.

In addition to banning the drivers, the city plans to order 40-hour compliance education and fine them up to 200,000 won ($190).

There are 291 international taxis operating in the city. The service was launched in 2009 to better cater to foreign tourists.

(rene@heraldcorp.com)