Seoul doubles late-night autonomous taxi fleet in Gangnam
Seoul will more than double the number of late-night autonomous taxis operating in Gangnam District, betting that a larger fleet will shorten waits and make the service easier to access after dark. Starting Thursday at 10 p.m., the city will increase the fleet to 19 vehicles from seven, Seoul city said. The expansion will also extend autonomous driving to all roads within the operating zone in…
Seoul is set to significantly boost its late-night autonomous taxi fleet in the Gangnam District, aiming to reduce wait times and enhance accessibility after dark. Beginning Thursday at 10 p.m., the city will increase the fleet size from seven to nineteen vehicles, according to Seoul city officials. This expansion will also extend autonomous driving capabilities to all roads within the operational zone in southern Seoul, including child-protection zones, once the city receives approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
A recent regulatory change eliminated the necessity for human drivers in protected areas, paving the way for autonomous vehicles to operate in these zones when safety plans are established and approved.
Since the service launched on September 26, 2024, the autonomous taxis have completed 15,140 rides, with 6,176 rides occurring after fares were introduced in April. The taxis will be available from Monday to Friday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., operating within a 20.4-square-kilometer pilot zone encompassing Gangnam District. Passengers can summon a vehicle via the Kakao T app by selecting the autonomous taxi option.
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- Seoul doubles late-night autonomous taxi fleet in Gangnam koreatimes.co.kr
