CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Taxi fares on Okinawa increased by 50 yen Monday.

The hike applies to on- and off-base taxi rides and was approved by the Okinawa Prefecture General Bureau Transportation Office, according to the Army and Air Force Exchange System.

The starting fare is now 500 yen, which covers the first 1.8 kilometers of a ride, AAFES said.

Meters also will click a little faster, according to AAFES. Before the increase, taxi meters clicked 60 yen for every 401 meters. Now, meters will click 60 yen for every 359 meters.

Taxi companies also have expanded their late-night fare rate. From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the company will stay with its original service, charging the regular fare plus 20 percent of that fare, according to AAFES.