Seoul to get tough on slobby cab drivers

Seoul City will be stepping up its monitoring of cab driver’s attire as part of its efforts to improve taxi service quality, officials said Monday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it plans to crack down on cab drivers who wear sleeveless shirts, short pants, sportswear, slippers or hats that cover the face.

Under the current transportation rules, drivers must wear “decent” outfits or the attire designated by taxi companies.

Seoul City had initially designated cab driver’s recommended attire, but liberalized the outfits from November 2011 as the drivers complained about the regulation. It, instead, has listed the items that drivers must avoid.

If they violate the rule, drivers could be fined 100,000 won ($85) and face a three-day suspension for their first offense. A second violation would lead to a five-day suspension, the city said.

“Although most taxi drivers follow the attire rule, there have been safety concerns, especially from female passengers, intimidated by the drivers who wear caps thereby hiding their face at night,” Seoul officials said.

The city said it would revise the recommended attire with the unions of cab drivers.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)