ED Taxis vs. Kakao

Ride-sharing service could be useful for passengers

Taxi drivers launched a 24-hour strike Thursday to protest a new ride-sharing service to be launched by Kakao.

Many members of taxi unions and associations shut down their operations and joined a massive rally at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. According to organizers, more than 60,000 drivers turned up with slogans such as “Let's crush Kakao.”

The walkout, which began 4:00 a.m. Thursday, caused huge inconvenience for citizens heading to work. People who normally commute by taxi experienced more difficulty than usual in catching cabs and many citizens also complained of not being able to get a cab through the Kakao Taxi app.

Kakao T Carpool is designed to link regular drivers and passengers during rush hour in the morning and evening. The service enables drivers to pick up passengers headed for the same destination or going in a similar direction, and charge them a slightly cheaper rate than regular cabs during rush hours. On Oct. 16, Kakao Mobility announced that it was hiring drivers for the service.

Although the service has yet to begin, cab drivers are feeling intimidated. They already staged two protests earlier this month, claiming Kakao's ride-sharing service will be a grave threat to their industry. They also claim uncertified drivers will endanger the safety of citizens.

Resorting to a strike is not the way to settle this issue. The walkout by taxi drivers is an irresponsible move that shows little consideration for many citizens who need cabs to get to work and other crucial places.

Public opinion toward the carpooling service is not so bad. In fact, many citizens who have long been tired of the substandard service of Korean taxis are actually looking forward to the new service. Local taxi drivers are notorious for their bad behavior and harsh driving.

According to a recent survey by Rep. Kim Byong-gwan of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, 33.6 percent of 113,989 cases of taxi-related complaints at the Seoul metropolitan government had to do with drivers' rudeness. Many also complained about their refusal to provide services and attempts to charge undue fares. The ride-sharing service could be welcome news for passengers who are worried about the rises in taxi fares that are expected in various parts of the country next year. The ride-sharing service will also come in handy for commuters on rainy or snowy days when it is difficult to find cabs during rush hour.

Taxi drivers should try harder to raise their competitiveness rather than rejecting new technology that can be useful for passengers. The government should mediate a win-win plan for passengers and taxis so that the new service does not infringe upon the drivers' livelihoods.