The price of the services and the division ratio between the company and drivers were not disclosed. Kakao’s existing, free-of-charge taxi hailing system asks drivers whether they are willing to accept a request by providing them with information on a customer’s route. If the first batch of drivers nearby declines, the request is sent to those that are further away. Although largely a success, the service also made it possible for some drivers to avoid short-distance rides during rush hour and late at night, or customers who want to be dropped off at a destination that is less likely to have outgoing traffic. To offer more options during commuting hours, Kakao will also operate a carpooling platform. Last month it acquired local carpool start-up Luxi for 25.2 billion won ($23.6 million). The company said it would suggest carpool options if a user cannot find a taxi. Kakao Mobility CEO John Chung explained at the press event held Tuesday in central Seoul that the primary purpose of the additional services was to find a solution to enhance flexibility in the supply and demand imbalance regarding taxi usage. When asked whether the charged services could lead to drivers ignoring normal requests, Chung replied that points would also be given to drivers who accept regular requests.