Tokyo taxi companies that cut minimum fares for short trips have seen a 23% increase in business for short hops. The new fare is about $3.60 for trips up to 1.052 km, compared to a minimum of $6.40 for 2 kilometers.
That’s especially good news for travelers not familiar with the city, or carrying bags; it’s much easier than taking local buses or subway for those distances.
But there are some complaints, too. Rates for longer trips have risen at the same time as the cut for short ones, leaving some taxi users disgruntled. And the drivers must not be totally happy either: the Tokyo Taxi Center, the official feedback spot, says some customers have complained that short-trip drivers have displayed bad attitudes.
