Ride sharing service Poolus announced today that is has extended its service to cover all of South Korea.
Launched one year ago in Pangyo and Bundang areas, the service was gradually expanded to cover the Seoul Capital Area and Daejeon. After positive feedback and constant requests to operate in other areas, Poolus has now opened its service up to the rest of the country.
As the name suggests, Poolus is a carpool app rather than just another taxi replacement service. It connects drivers with people who need a ride through its mobile app. Once users have selected their location and destination, the service uses its “Match+” technology to link them with nearby drivers traveling in the same direction
While charging a fare for passengers in a vehicle not licensed for business is illegal in Korea, there is an exception to this law during commuting hours with the goal of easing congestion. As such, Poolus only operates from 5am to 11am, and 5pm to 2am.
“We have been focused on analyzing market and consumer data and developing technology to improve commuting for the many Poolus users. I am very pleased to be able to expand our coverage nationwide based on these efforts and support from customers,” said CEO Kim Tae-ho. “Going forward, Poolus will improve the quality of life and move transport culture in a new direction as an industry leader.”
Poolus has 550,000 users and has been used by commuters 750,000 times since May last year. It’s the only ride sharing service in Korea that requires drivers to have a vehicle maintenance check and face-to-face interview so that passengers can feel safer about calling for a carpool.
Check out Poolus at poolus.kr. While not the service is not available in English, foreign residents are free to become Poolus drivers with a valid Korean driver’s license.
