The domestic taxi industry starts its strike to fight against the newly unveiled ride share app, KakaoT, on Tuesday 20th. KakaoT, counters with discounts to its fledgling service.
From midnight, Kakao Mobility is allowing free use of KakaoT car pool on a day taxi drivers halted their service in protest. The demonstration is planned to last until the 31st at midnight. KakaoT handed out coupons online which give users up to $26 USD per person. Carpool drivers are also be given in app points equal to $8 USD.
Like wise, Poolus is also holding ‘Poolus-Together-Carpool Event’ to encourage people can try their service with enticing benefits.
These moves by the companies are interpreted as a strategy to create favorable public opinion by unionized drivers.
The strategy seems to be paying off. According to Poolus, after the taxi strike the number of new drivers and passengers increased 2.8 times and 2.5 times, respectively. The short supply of taxis saw an increase of carpool calls by about 30%.
