Paying price for London cabs in city
Print Edition
A FLEET of 50 London taxis hit the streets of Shanghai yesterday — though passengers must pay more than for standard cabs to experience a little taste of Britain’s capital.
Shanghai’s China-made Geely TX4 taxis, the model seen on London’s streets, have a flag-down fare of 19 yuan (US$3.09), 5 yuan more than usual.
And after 3 kilometers, the meter goes up at 2.6 yuan per kilometer — 0.2 yuan more than standard. Night fares start at 24 yuan, compared to 18 yuan, and fares rise at 3.4 yuan per kilometer after the first 3 kilometers, 0.3 yuan higher than in other cabs.
Operator Shanghai Qiangsheng Taxi, which plans to introduce 200 London cabs, says higher charges reflect more expensive maintenance costs.
The gold-colored cabs are more spacious than standard taxis and will prioritize customers with special needs who book a day in advance.
Shanghai Transport Commission is working on a preferential policy providing discounts for disabled passengers.
Qiangsheng said the cabs will take bookings mainly through its dispatch hotline 6258-0000, with priority for people with wheelchairs. However, they can also be hailed, added the operator.
Shao Yiling, a fitness trainer, became one of the city’s first London cab passengers when she waved one down at Shanghai Stadium. The 12-minute ride to Xietu Road cost 20 yuan.
“Actually, this isn’t my first time in a London taxi,” she told Shanghai Daily, explaining that she’d seen them in Nanjing, capital of neighboring Jiangsu Province, several years ago. “It’s spacious and more convenient for women passengers wearing high heels to get in and out of the cab,” she added.
The new taxis have folding seats, accessibility fittings — including a foldable ramp — and free WiFi.
Some drivers thought the higher tariff may cause problems.
“My only concern is that the fare might be considered expensive by some passengers,” Shanghai “London cabbie” Wang Liming told Shanghai Daily.
“I’ll remind my customers of the fare difference when they get in, especially at night, to avoid misunderstandings.”
Wang said drivers had received weeks of training, including using the accessibility features. They will also wear distinctive black tops.
Qiangsheng said the other 150 London taxis will be gradually introduced by early next year.
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