The use of a service that allows users to call a taxi with a phone call instead of using the KakaoT application is growing. By providing the starting point and destination over the phone, a consultant calls a KakaoT taxi on behalf of the user. This service has become a vital transportation option for users, particularly the elderly, who struggle with digital services.
Kakao Mobility announced on August 10 that its 'Call a Taxi Instead' service, operated in partnership with KT is, has grown to over 20,000 calls per month. Since signing a memorandum of understanding with KT is in March of last year, the total number of calls has reached approximately 150,000, with around 60,000 users.
Users can call 02-114, provide their starting point and destination, and a consultant will arrange a KakaoT taxi for them. The consultant also provides information about the assigned vehicle and estimated arrival time. This service allows users who find it difficult to use a smartphone app to access KakaoT taxis simply by making a phone call.
Analysis of actual call data from January to July this year revealed that 61.5% of calls originated from areas outside of Seoul, indicating that calls from outside the capital exceeded half of the total.
The service area has also steadily expanded. The number of cities, counties, and districts where calls were made increased from 125 in January to 153 in July. Over the past seven months, calls have been made in 221 cities, counties, and districts, covering 1,715 towns and villages nationwide.
In terms of destinations, medical facilities such as hospitals and pharmacies, as well as transportation hubs like subway stations, train stations, and bus terminals, were among the most common. There were also many calls for trips to residential areas, markets, and government offices, reflecting everyday needs.
Kakao Mobility is also working to enhance digital accessibility by utilizing offline locations in addition to phone-based calls.
In March, the company introduced a 'Kakao T Taxi Web Call System' at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. This system allows hospital staff to call a KakaoT taxi on behalf of elderly patients or foreign visitors who request taxi assistance at the information desk using a work PC.
Kakao Mobility aims to lower the barriers to using existing mobility services that rely on app usage and reduce the mobility gap for users who struggle with digital services through various touchpoints, including phone calls and offline information desks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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