App-based carpooling service

Conceding a point to each other led to win-win result

The taxi industry and shared mobility operators have finally agreed on a win-win formula, putting an end to their yearlong conflict. A dialogue body, which also included government and ruling party officials, drew up a five-point accord at the National Assembly, Thursday.

The agreement calls for permitting paid ridesharing services during the morning (7-9 a.m.) and evening (6-8 p.m.) commuting horus while excluding weekends and holidays. Although the accord fell short of surpassing levels stipulated by law, it is significant that the taxi industry, which had adhered to the overall abolition of the ridesharing service, took a step back.

As with everything, no one can expect their first attempt to be perfect. Operators may as well implement the new system on a limited basis, and, it it proves to be fruitful with few side effects, they can gradually expand it. The dialogue body also agreed to seek deregulation in the taxi industry and improved working conditions for taxi drivers, including the introduction of a salary-based pay system.

The latest accord was the result of all parties involved conceding a point to each other to come up a formulaon which everybody could agree. The negotiations have had a bumpy ride, during which three taxi drivers committed suicide by self-immolation, and the taxi indystry staged three strikes.

Noticeable in this precess was the all-out efforts of Rep. Chum Hyunhee, head of the ruling Democratic Party's taskforce on the matter, who reportedly visited the protest sites of tax drivers 148 times over 28 days. Chun showed what politicians should do to resolve social conflict.

The dialogue body has decided to approve the related bill in the Assembly's extraordinary session this month and form a working-group composed of the government, and party and business representavies. Policymakers should spare no effort in their support until it produces substantive results.

The paid ridesharing service is only the beginning. As technolygy develops and society changes, there will be numerous clashes between new and old industries. on the occasion of the compromise on ridesharing, we hope Korean society will be able to slove other issues through dialogue based on trust.