CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Army and Air Force Exchange Service offers military members options to get around while stationed here on Okinawa.
AAFES has contracts with several taxi services on the island responsible for ensuring each base has the appropriate level of taxi coverage.
“We have noticed that a lot of patrons are confused about the services provided,” said Moritsugu Nakaima, AAFES services business manager. “We are attempting to reach out to our customers and ensure they understand the ins and outs of this program.”
Nakaima said one of the biggest things for customers to understand is that the contracted taxi’s are required to operate on specific bases and are limited on the services they can provide from base to base.
“If someone ever waves down a taxi and it doesn’t stop for them, this is probably the reason,” he said adding that “These particular taxies are required to have a sign in their window that reads ‘Reserved’”
In addition, each base has certain areas designated where taxis wait for fares. Each of these areas is marked with identifying signage.
According to Nakaima, customers should also note that fees are subject to change during hours of darkness. “After 10 p.m., taxi prices increase by 20 percent because of nighttime driving,” he said.
In addition to basic taxi services provided, AAFES also provides one of the island’s “Daiko” services.
“Daiko service is a safe way to get you and your car home when you’re too tired to drive or had an alcoholic beverage,” explained Nakaima.
When customers request this service, two drivers and a taxi will be dispatched to the location requested. One driver will provide the customer with a ride, the other driver will drive the customer’s car to the final destination.
According to Nakaima, if an individual uses the Daiko service they will be required to ride in the taxi, vice their own car due to insurance reasons.
Morihiro Gushiken, AAFES services supervisor, said, the only drawback to Daiko is if someone is in a group of more than four people they will need to call an additional taxi for the remainder of the group.
Nakaima said, there are other Daiko-type services out in town, however, it is not guaranteed that they will have all of the proper insurance and unlike the ones contracted through AAFES, they may not be authorized on base and sometimes speak little to no English.
For more information about AAFES’ taxi or Daiko services, call 645-7742.
Where, how to contact AAFES sponsored taxis:
Camp Schwab (99) 929-1818: United Service Organizations, Post Exchange;
Camp Hansen (99) 929-1818: USO, Post Office, Old Burger King, The Palms Club;
Camp Courtney (99) 937-2467: Courtney PX, near Barracks #4450;
Kadena Airbase 959-5900: Front of the PX, USO;
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (99) 892-0606: USO, Barracks 229, Flight line 600, Barracks 400;
Camp Kinser (99) 869-6000: Gas Station, Kinser PX, near Barracks #1225;
White Beach 622-5900: Near Baseball field, near Burger Shop;
Camp Foster (99) 946-5477: PX, Barracks 472, near Barracks 5703