Taxi fares in Guangzhou are set for a hike, according to Guangzhou Daily. The new rate will see meters start at RMB12, which covers the first three kilometers of travel, and will go into effect on May 15, 2018.
At present, Guangzhou taxi fares increase by RMB2.6 per kilometer and this will stay unchanged under the new fare scheme. What is new, though, is that between 11pm and 5am, cab meters will charge an additional 30 percent per kilometer after the first three kilometers.
Additionally, according to Guangzhou Daily, once the meter hits 15 kilometers (up until 25 kilometers) you will pay an additional 20 percent – no matter the time of day. From 25 kilometers and up, you will pay an additional 50 percent.
The new rates are being enacted on the grounds that increasing cab drivers’ income should help curb the widespread practice of fare-gouging. It’s been estimated that the new law will generate an additional income of RMB3,400 per taxi each month, according to Guangzhou Daily.
Many netizens have sounded off on Weibo about the poor state of taxi service in the city (rigged meters, cherry picking passengers, taking unwanted detours, etc.) and have noted that the behavior of unscrupulous drivers isn’t justification enough to increase costs on the passengers’ end. Others have cast doubt on whether the fare hike can effectively improve the quality of taxi service.
One cabbie told That’s that he expected little difference in his average income, and that “life will remain the same.” Another said that although the new fare system means a couple extra yuan of income per ride, he’s worried that fewer people will be willing to take taxis, further hampering the cab business despite the stated intention of the new law.
[Images via toutiao.com]
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