As the number of people on the move increases, taxi usage in Fukuoka City and its surrounding areas is also on the rise. However, it has been found that taxi operators are unable to secure the necessary drivers, with staffing levels remaining at around 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Industry associations report that there have been cases where dispatching taxis has not kept up with demand. According to the Fukuoka City Taxi Association, which includes 91 taxi operators in Fukuoka City and its surrounding areas, there were 8,381 taxi drivers at the end of 2019, before the pandemic. However, as of the end of March, the number has dropped to 6,655, remaining at about 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The association’s survey found that 2,500 drivers have left the profession since the spread of the new coronavirus, and despite increased recruitment efforts, operators have not been able to secure the necessary staff. Source: NHK
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