Taxi unions stage third massive rally in Seoul to protest against carpool service
Arirang News
2018-12-20
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'카풀 반대' 택시업계 총파업 및 여의도 대규모 집회...출퇴근길 시민 불편
The country's four major taxi unions staged a large-scale rally in front of the National Assembly, to protest against the launch of a carpool service.
It means greater convenience for commuters, but cab drivers believe the new services will do more harm than good.
Yoon Jung-min delves deeper to cover both sides of the story.
Hundreds of taxi drivers all across Korea went on a 24-hour strike on Thursday morning and staged a massive rally in Seoul,... to protest against Kakao Mobility's move to launch a carpool, or ride-sharing service.
The country's four major taxi labor unions staged their third large-scale rally at 2 p.m. in front of the National Assembly.
Some roads in the capital, including Uisadang-daero in front of the National Assembly, were blocked.
The Seoul government put on more subways and buses during commuting hours to minimize traffic congestion.
The move by the government and the carpool business to launch the ride sharing service has been causing a strong backlash from taxi drivers who claim their livelihoods will be threatened if the service opens.
The current transportation law allows the commercial use of private vehicles, but only during commuting hours.
"Originally, the carpool service was allowed for good purposes, but it started to expand as a business to pursue profits. We call for abolishment of this.
We are also worried about possible harm for citizens due to unprofessional drivers."
This month, a 57-year-old taxi driver burned himself to death to protest against the service. Kakao Mobility originally planned to launch their business this week, but announced they would delay it.
The government and the ruling party have set up a dialogue body including representatives of the four taxi unions and the carpool business to try to resolve the conflict.
Some citizens, on the other hand, have criticized the protest, claiming the car sharing service will increase convenience for citizens and boost the shared economy.
"I understand the difficult situation of taxi drivers, but this is also part of the market system. As a citizen, I expect this new system, or shared economy, would allow a new, better service."
"Despite the government's attempts to solve the conflict through dialogue, it is not likely to be quick or easy for the taxi and carpool industries to reach a consensus.”
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News."
The country's four major taxi unions staged a large-scale rally in front of the National Assembly, to protest against the launch of a carpool service.
It means greater convenience for commuters, but cab drivers believe the new services will do more harm than good.
Yoon Jung-min delves deeper to cover both sides of the story.
Hundreds of taxi drivers all across Korea went on a 24-hour strike on Thursday morning and staged a massive rally in Seoul,... to protest against Kakao Mobility's move to launch a carpool, or ride-sharing service.
The country's four major taxi labor unions staged their third large-scale rally at 2 p.m. in front of the National Assembly.
Some roads in the capital, including Uisadang-daero in front of the National Assembly, were blocked.
The Seoul government put on more subways and buses during commuting hours to minimize traffic congestion.
The move by the government and the carpool business to launch the ride sharing service has been causing a strong backlash from taxi drivers who claim their livelihoods will be threatened if the service opens.
The current transportation law allows the commercial use of private vehicles, but only during commuting hours.
"Originally, the carpool service was allowed for good purposes, but it started to expand as a business to pursue profits. We call for abolishment of this.
We are also worried about possible harm for citizens due to unprofessional drivers."
This month, a 57-year-old taxi driver burned himself to death to protest against the service. Kakao Mobility originally planned to launch their business this week, but announced they would delay it.
The government and the ruling party have set up a dialogue body including representatives of the four taxi unions and the carpool business to try to resolve the conflict.
Some citizens, on the other hand, have criticized the protest, claiming the car sharing service will increase convenience for citizens and boost the shared economy.
"I understand the difficult situation of taxi drivers, but this is also part of the market system. As a citizen, I expect this new system, or shared economy, would allow a new, better service."
"Despite the government's attempts to solve the conflict through dialogue, it is not likely to be quick or easy for the taxi and carpool industries to reach a consensus.”
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News."
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