Korean startup Throo launches in New York to challenge Uber and Lyft

Korean technology executive Kay Woo has introduced the ride‑hailing app Throi (branded as Throo) in New York, aiming to break the Uber‑Lyft duopoly. Since March, Woo says the service has recruited about 50,000 drivers, offering a lower fixed fee per ride that translates into cheaper fares – a Port Authority to JFK trip costs $80 on Throo, compared with $136 for Uber and $134 for Lyft.

In a separate development, advertising firm Omnicom Media has taken over Uber's global media account, covering most markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. The agency will manage planning, digital content, monitoring and strategic initiatives for Uber, replacing the previous work of Wieden+Kennedy in Brazil, and has also secured new business with ticketing platform Eventim.