Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon said Monday that raising the minimum taxi fare was “inevitable” due to rising costs.

Speaking on a radio show, Park said increases in gas prices had not been reflected in the taxi fares and many other cities and provinces had already raised the minimum charge.

The current minimum taxi fare is 2,400 won in Seoul, and each local government has the authority to adjust the base fare.

The city government is reportedly working on setting on an appropriate increase and plans to consult city council members to conclude preparations by early September.

“Taxi services should also be improved in accordance with the price increase,” stressed Park, promising the city would work together with taxi businesses and the central government to meet the costs for the plan and alleviate the difficult business conditions for the taxi industry.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)