'Intelligent Ride-Sharing Taxi' Launched in Incheon Yeongjong International City... 30% Fare Discount

Scheduled to Operate in Songdo and Namdong Industrial Complex Starting in July

I-MOA Taxi [Provided by Incheon City]

[Asia Economy, reporter Park Hyesuk] The nation's first "intelligent ride-sharing taxi," which uses artificial intelligence to match passengers, will be launched in Incheon.

The Incheon city government announced that the "I-MOA Taxi" will operate in Yeongjong International City from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting April 12, 2021, through December 31, 2022.

This taxi service allows passengers to request a ride through a dedicated app, after which artificial intelligence matches them with other passengers traveling along similar routes, enabling them to share the ride to their destinations. It represents a new concept in taxi services.

Passengers who share a ride receive a 30% discount on the taxi fare. However, only passengers of the same gender are allowed to share a ride, and they must be seated separately in the front and rear seats of the taxi.

Starting in July 2021, the city also plans to operate this taxi service in Songdo International City and Namdong National Industrial Complex.

The city has been selected for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s "Smart City Challenge" competition, and is piloting various mobility services, including the "demand-responsive I-MOD Bus," which adjusts bus routes in real time based on demand, in partnership with a Hyundai Motor consortium.

As part of this project, the city developed the I-MOA Taxi and plans to expand its service area by integrating it with other modes of transportation in the future. Those wishing to use the service can search for "I-MOA" or "아이모아" in the Google Play Store, install the app, and follow the instructions to request a taxi.

An official from the Incheon city government stated, "We will actively work on developing region-specific smart mobility services to lead smart public transportation and create a smart city that citizens can truly experience."