"Ultimately, the most important aspect of autonomous taxis is collaboration with existing business areas and stakeholders. Based on sufficient consultation with regional taxi associations, we will establish and operate a system to protect operators' business rights, laying the foundation for the taxi industry, technology companies, and platforms to grow together."
Jo Dong-wook of Tmoney Mo Bil-ri-ti (CEO), who participated in the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) World Congress held in Gangneung, stated this during an exclusive interview with Money Today. Tmoney Mobility became the first company in Korea's autonomous driving industry to invite the Korea Consumer Agency to hear its opinions. The agency conveyed concerns regarding taxi fare fluctuations in the era of autonomous driving, how monitoring would work in the event of an accident, and whether personal information protection is perfect.
Jo (CEO) said, "While preparing for the era of autonomous driving, we had never heard from the consumer's perspective before, so we are grateful to have been able to do so this time." He added, "Autonomous taxis cannot be completed by technology alone. It requires a combination of autonomous driving technology with the taxi industry's operational know-how and a platform that encompasses calling, payment, and settlement."
Tmoney Mobility, which spun off from Tmoney in April of last year to launch as a mobility fintech and platform company, has now reached its 600th day since inception. The company is preparing for the era of autonomous driving based on the platform capabilities of Tmoney GO, which has 14.5 million members, and cooperation with the taxi industry.
Tmoney Mobility held a session at the ITS World Congress to share directions for the commercialization of autonomous taxis and the development of mobility services optimized for regional traffic environments. Officials from relevant ministries attended to share development directions, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Seoul Taxi Transportation Business Association, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, and the Korea Transport Institute, in addition to the Korea Consumer Agency.
In response to the question, "What is your top priority in light of the era of autonomous driving?" Jo (CEO) answered, "Connecting technology with the field and creating a symbiotic ecosystem where the industry can grow together is the company's core competitiveness."
Jo (CEO) stated, "Since our launch, we have focused on creating an environment where Local Government and the transportation industry can grow together." He noted, "We have confirmed that no matter how good the technology and service are, they are difficult to sustain without understanding and cooperation from the field. Our experience in understanding regional traffic environments and finding solutions together with existing operators will become a significant competitive advantage in enhancing the stability of autonomous driving services."
In September, Tmoney Mobility also signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the taxi industry on the agenda of autonomous driving. The company is currently discussing a business review proposal received from the Autonomous Driving Task Force within the Seoul Corporate Taxi Association. Starting at the end of this year, it plans to provide reservation, calling, dispatch, and payment services for autonomous vehicles operating in Seoul through the Tmoney GO app.
Jo (CEO) said, "Autonomous driving should develop with the top priority of securing mobility rights and resolving traffic disparities between regions, not just improving travel efficiency." He added, "Tmoney Mobility will stand by as a reliable partner to the end, ensuring that the taxi industry, which knows the field best, can stand at the center of mobility changes."
in TECH
