Taxi fares will increase to 500 yen for the first time in about 15 years in Tokyo's 23 wards and other areas from 14 November

Taxi fares in the 23 wards of Tokyo and other areas will increase for the first time in 15 years from 14 December. The starting fare will increase from 420 yen to 500 yen.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, since the end of last year, 245 taxi companies operating in the 23 wards of Tokyo and the cities of Mitaka and Musashino have applied and more than 70% of the total number of vehicles were required to be considered for fare revision.

The starting fare for a standard car will increase from 420 yen to 500 yen, and the additional amount will also increase from '80 yen for every 233 meters' to '100 yen for every 255 meters.’

According to the taxi companies, this is due to a decrease in the number of customers due to the Coronavirus outbreak, soaring fuel costs due to high oil prices, and increased costs for safety and convenience improvements such as the installation of drive recorders and cashless payment systems.