Cab firms started experimenting with a lower minimum fare of ¥410 on Friday in four wards in central Tokyo to assess demand for short trips among tourists and the elderly.
The trial fares will be offered at Shinbashi Station in Minato Ward through Sept. 15, and over 10-day periods in turn at spots in Taito, Shinjuku and Bunkyo wards.
While the initial fare is usually ¥730 for the first 2 km in Tokyo's 23 wards and the adjacent cities of Musashino and Mitaka, the lower trial fare of ¥410 will apply to the first 1.059 km.