Solving the cab fare problem

Media reports say that CPPCC member and automobile tycoon Li Shufu found it difficult to hail a taxi in Beijing and was forced to avail of an unlicensed cab. It is not hard to understand that neither increasing taxi fares nor using cab-calling applications can guarantee you a taxi during rush hour, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:

Taxi fares were raised primarily to help increase cabbies' income. They were raised also to help reduce the number of refusals passengers had to take from cabbies.

The result of the move, however, might not have been as desired because of the rising costs of traveling in a taxi. Also, taxi-calling apps have faced opposition ever since they were launched.

It is understandable that taxi drivers seek maximum profits, but taxi companies, as well as their management departments should never forget that passengers' satisfaction should be the highest priority for them.

Taxis, as a supplement of urban public transportation, get certain amount of subsidy from the government. Therefore, taxis should have performed certain public functions and provided good quality service at relatively low price. But they have not. The fare rise and cab-calling apps have failed to make commuters, especially those who regularly travel by taxi, contended. This has hurt not only the interest of citizens, but also the credibility of the government.

So the Beijing government should increase the number of taxis in accordance with the growth of its population and, at the same time, slow the growth of private vehicles and offer taxis and taxi drivers more favorable policies. Besides, relevant departments should enhance supervision and management of taxis and take effective measures to prevent them from refusing to passengers.

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily 03/11/2014 page10)