Taxis to fare well after price change
Updated: 2013-04-15 00:39
By XU WEI (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Drivers remain cautious over possible outcome of reform
Beijing will adjust taxis' fare system as part of a series of measures to ease the difficulty of hailing a taxi in the capital, the city's top transport official has announced.
The city government is seeking opinions from deputies of the municipal People's Congress, political advisers, transport experts, taxi companies and drivers over the price adjustments, said Liu Xiaoming, director of the Beijing Commission of Transport.
Liu said the reform is aimed at "straightening out the relationship between the fare mechanism and the interest of the industry".
He also hinted at a possible hike in taxi prices. The current taxi fare system in Beijing has been in place for seven years, while the prices in other major cities have been raised at least once during that period.
During the past seven years, the average income of taxi drivers in the capital rose by 15 percent, while Beijing's average income rose by 60 to 70 percent.
"This has resulted in a slump in the industry's attractiveness to employees, and many cabbies are unwilling to work during rush hour due to traffic congestions and high fuel prices," Liu said.
The pricing reform will mainly benefit taxi drivers, he said at a press briefing on Thursday.
The transport commission will also carry out tighter regulations for taxi drivers, including a blacklist of drivers who breached regulations and a system that compensates drivers during harsh weather.
The authority is also considering attracting better-educated staff to the industry, as 80 percent of the taxi drivers are former farmers from the city's suburban areas.
A public hearing on the price adjustments could also be held the Beijing Commission of Development and Reform. According to regulations, the hearing could take about 45 days.
The fare adjustment could be in place by June, Beijing Times reported, citing industry insiders.
Related Stories
Beijing to adjust taxi fare 2013-04-12 19:21
Beijing raises taxi fuel surcharge 2013-03-01 08:08
Beijing to get more parking spots for taxis 2013-02-21 07:24
Taxi drivers urged not to refuse passengers 2013-02-07 22:38
Getting a taxi is now a taxing problem 2013-01-19 07:56
Tougher penalties to put taxi industry on right track 2013-01-18 08:02
Today's Top News
Police continue manhunt for 2nd bombing suspect
H7N9 flu transmission studied
8% growth predicted for Q2
Nuke reactor gets foreign contract
First couple on Time's list of most influential
'Green' awareness levels drop in Beijing
Palace Museum spruces up
Trading channels 'need to broaden'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |
Firms crave cyber connection |