[Kakao Mobility Corp]
SEOUL -- Despite strong resistance from taxi drivers, Kakao Mobility Corp, the smart mobility and car-sharing wing of South Korean web service giant Kakao, started recruiting drivers for its carpool service to launch a pilot project.
Kakao Mobility said in a statement on Tuesday that it has started recruiting drivers for Kakao T Carpool. If a driver wants to be recruited, he or she can use a dedicated app for carpool drivers and receive verification. Kakao did not say when its carpool service would begin.
Kakao began its mobility service by launching Kakao T Taxi, a taxi hailing service, in 2015. The app is favored by consumers and taxi drivers because of its user-friendly interface and easy access. According to a survey conducted by Kakao Mobility, taxi drivers earned 37.5 percent more, compared to their earnings before the taxi-hailing service was launched.
Kakao said its carpool service using a smart mobility app would ease the rush-hour lack of available taxis. However, taxi drivers have opposed Kakao's carpool service, insisting it would hurt their business. They also want the government to revise a law which stipulates that the owners of passenger cars can receive money when they provide rides for other people during commuting hours.
Uber launched a car-sharing service in Seoul in 2013 but suspended it due to strong protests by city officials and taxi drivers.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
