Starting in April, late-night autonomous taxis operating in the Gangnam area will transition to a paid service, charging a base fee depending on the time of use.
The autonomous taxi service in Gangnam, Seoul has been running as a free pilot since September 2024, but it will begin charging fares starting April 6, 2025. The fare structure is straightforward, with rates varying from 4,800 won to 6,700 won based on the time of day. This change indicates a significant shift from the experimental phase to a more sustainable model, aiming at operational viability of autonomous transport. The service will operate from 10 PM to 5 AM on weekdays, and the number of taxis will double from three to seven, reflecting increased demand and confidence in the technology.
Passengers can access the service through the Kakao T app, where they can set their starting and destination points for a personalized ride, rather than adhering to a fixed route. Safety remains a priority; while autonomous driving will take place mostly on major four-lane roads, a human test driver will manually control the vehicle in certain residential areas. Since the pilot’s inception, there have been no reported accidents attributed to the autonomous technology, contributing to the initiative's credibility.
The city's plans indicate a gradual expansion of this autonomous taxi service, with goals to increase the fleet size and possibly to introduce daytime services in the future. This pilot program not only represents an advancement in transportation technology but also highlights efforts to integrate such innovations into everyday life in urban settings. The implications for urban mobility and reduced reliance on traditional taxis could mark a new chapter in how residents navigate the bustling city.
