by REERA YOO
Despite ongoing battles with Seoul’s city government and transport ministry, Uber has recently launched a new app called UberTAXI that allows Seoul residents to hail registered cabs, reported the Wall Street Journal.
Uber has contracted an undisclosed number of Seoul cabbies, who will receive a subsidy of 2,000 won ($1.8) per ride booked using the UberTAXI app, said a Seoul-based spokeswoman. She added that the new service was launched without consulting the city beforehand.
Seoul authorities have repeatedly cracked down on the California-based company’s services, claiming that they are illegal under local law. The city government has already banned the company’s premium limo service, UberBLACK, in July and started cracking down on UberX, a service that connects everyday drivers with passengers. In an apparent effort to drive Uber out of Seoul, the city is even planning to launch its own taxi-hailing app with features similar to UberTAXI.
However, Uber claims it has complied with all of Seoul’s local regulations and said that it services have increased business in Sinagpore, Tokyo and Hong Kong by up to 40 percent.
Despite the constant bans and pushback from Seoul, Uber said its long-term goal is to contract licensed freelancers in Seoul.
Photo courtesy of BusinessTech
