Seoul: The Seoul city government announced plans to enlarge the late-night operation of unmanned taxis to encompass the entire Gangnam district starting this week. The autonomous late-night cab service, initially launched as a pilot program in September, will extend its reach to areas near Apgujeong, Sinsa, Nonhyeon, and Cheongdam subway stations beginning Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the unmanned taxis are currently operational in Gangnam's Yeoksam-dong, Daechi-dong, Dogok-dong, and Samseong-dong. This initiative, introduced by the city, currently operates three cabs from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. Users can summon the cabs through the Kakao T app, with a maximum capacity of three passengers per ride. The service had been free during the pilot phase.

The city reported a total of 4,200 rides since the service began on September 26, averaging 24 rides per day. Citing the successful pilot program with zero accidents in Gangnam's complex road network, the city expressed confidence that this initiative could pave the way for self-driving cars to become a safe and practical transportation option.