Local News

The deregulation of the taxi industry seven years ago intensified competition, and this has been further intensified by the economic downturn. Businessmen were one of the industry’s most dependable customers, but they are taking fewer cabs as a result of corporate cost-cutting moves. As a result, Fukuoka area cab companies are offering new services. Hakata Taxi, founded in 1927, will start selling 11,000 yen worth of coupons for 10,000 yen in May. They will have a working arrangement with Daimaru department stores to sell the coupons, and consumers will be able to use the taxi company’s stamp cards for discounts on Daimaru merchandise.