Seoul Taxis Get Protection Screens for Women Drivers

Protection screens have been installed in 35 taxis driven by women, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government paying half the cost. A female taxi driver sits in a car with a protection screen near Seoul Plaza on Thursday. /News 1

The screens cost W250,000 (US$1=W1,116) each to install. They are made of polycarbonate that is strong enough to resist hammer blows and installed on the side and back of the driver's seat for complete protection.

If the measure is well received, all taxis in the capital will have the screens installed next year.

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Hybrid Taxis to Help Keep Seoul's Air Clean

Toyota's Prius hybrid taxis will start plying the streets of Seoul in mid-December. Toyota Korea on Thursday said the carmaker will deliver a dozen Prius taxis in mid-December, with another 30 booked for delivery later.

The taxis were launched on Aug. 20, but delivery took longer than expected because of the time required to re-spray them in the requisite colors and fix the components.

Prius taxis are expected to take some time to establish themselves here over the cheaper LPG taxis. A Prius taxi costs around W26 million (US$1=W1,116), up to W10 million more than the LF Sonata, the most common kind of taxis here.

Toyota started mass production of the Prius in 1997 and has sold a total of 3 million units around the world. The taxi versions can be found on the streets of Austria, Croatia, Japan, Singapore and the U.S.

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Pororo to Improve Image of Seoul Taxis

The Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced 20 taxis for six months on Tuesday themed on Proro the Little Penguin, a popular cartoon character.

The aim is to improve the image of taxis and make the experience more fun for children and adults passengers alike.

A taxi decorated with the image of the character from the popular animation "Pororo the Little Penguin" /Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government

The image of taxis in Seoul, as elsewhere, has been marred by some grumpy, unhelpful drivers who refuse to take passengers. But the Pororo taxis are supposed to change that.

The fare is the same as for ordinary taxis, and they can be reserved online via a public service booking website (http://yeyak.seoul.go.kr) at least seven days in advance.

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