'카풀 반대' 택시업계 총파업 및 여의도 대규모 집회...출퇴근길 시민 불편<br /><br />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.<br />It means greater convenience for commuters, but cab drivers believe the new services will do more harm than good.<br /> Yoon Jung-min delves deeper to cover both sides of the story. <br />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.<br />The country's four major taxi labor unions staged their third large-scale rally at 2 p.m. in front of the National Assembly.<br />Some roads in the capital, including Uisadang-daero in front of the National Assembly, were blocked.<br />The Seoul government put on more subways and buses during commuting hours to minimize traffic congestion.<br />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.<br />The current transportation law allows the commercial use of private vehicles, but only during commuting hours.<br />"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.<br />We are also worried about possible harm for citizens due to unprofessional drivers."<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />"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."<br />"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.”<br />Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News." <br />
