Taxi scrutiny in capital steps up for Olympics

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-6-25  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TRAFFIC authorities in Beijing are stepping up scrutiny of sub-standard taxi services and promising severe penalties for cab drivers who refuse passengers, take indirect routes to drive up the meter, refuse to use the meter, or keep dirty cabs on the road.

The complex road system of the capital city has, many visitors to the city contend, provided an excuse for drivers to take circuitous and expensive routes on the pretense of avoiding traffic jams.

But according to the Beijing Municipal Transportation Law Enforcement General Team, such drivers will be fined 1,000 (US$145) to 2,000 yuan from now on. Drivers will also be fined 200 yuan if their vehicle is dirty, especially the seats.

More than 200 traffic supervisors will carry out surprise checks once a week to stamp out such practices, and other inspectors will monitor taxis at intersections.

The effort will focus on areas surrounding dozens of Olympic-appointed hotels including the Peninsula Palace Hotel and Sunworld Dynasty Hotel in Wangfujing, a shopping and hotel area in downtown Beijing. Supervision is already in progress at several Beijing transportation hubs, including the Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 and Sihui Long Distance Bus Station.

In addition, rent-a-car companies in the city will adopt a new rate schedule from July 20 to September 20, reported the Beijing Times. Rates will be two to five times of current levels.

The Ministry of Public Security also announced that large trucks would be barred from certain traffic routes in the central city.