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August 24, 2011

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Hangzhou taxi fare rise follows three-day strike

TAXI fares are to be raised in the east China city of Hangzhou after a three-day strike at the beginning of the month.

Hangzhou Bureau of Commodity Prices yesterday announced plans for the rise, offering two proposals for discussion at a public hearing on September 9.

The current flag-down fare in Hangzhou is 11 yuan, plus 2 yuan per kilometer after the first three, and 3 yuan per kilometer after 10km. The waiting fee is 2 yuan per five minutes.

Fare levels have not changed since 2006, and on August 1 thousands of cabbies went on strike, protesting over rocketing food, fuel and housing prices.

The strike continued until the local government gave drivers temporary subsidies and promised to hold a hearing and adjust the fares by the end of October.

The two proposals differ in the flag-down fare and make varying adjustments to the rates per kilometer.

The first proposal keeps the flag-down fare at 11 yuan, and passengers pay 2.5 yuan per kilometer between 3km and 10km, and 3.75 yuan there-after. The waiting fee is 2.5 yuan per four minutes.

The second proposal raises the flag-down fare to 12 yuan, passengers paying 2.3 yuan per kilometer between 3km and 10km, and 3.45 yuan thereafter. The waiting fee is 2.3 yuan per four minutes.

An analysis accompanying the announcement claims drivers' monthly income will increase nearly 30 percent, while passengers will be paying almost three yuan more for the average trip.

The September hearing will be attended by 24 people, including government officials, scholars, members of the public and taxi drivers, who will be asked their opinions, according to Xinhua news agency.

Hangzhou residents revealed a mixed reaction to the proposals.

Cherry Yang, a 26-year-old office worker, said: "It is unfair. Our limited options are to have the fare raise in this way or that way."

Xie Dacheng, 58, said: "I believe the raise will drive some people to take buses more than cabs, which, to some extent, will solve the city's transportation problem."




 

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