Authorities in Guangzhou are now seeking public feedback on an amended version of management regulations for Guangzhou's taxi licenses, according to a report by GRT Radio.
The revised standards are anticipated to set stronger criteria for those hoping to become cabbies in Canton, with driving experience minimums to be raised to three years from the current one-year requirement. Prospective taxi drivers will also need a clean record with no history of drug abuse, drunk driving or violent crime, according to the report.
Perhaps most notably, the new rules will see severe punishments handed to taxi drivers who are caught driving without a license or “using ride-hailing apps inappropriately.”
Those who file a complaint against a dodgy driver will also be granted some protection under the new scheme, with drivers who seek retribution against dissatisfied passengers at risk of receiving 10 demerit points.
News of the taxi regulation updates comes less than a week after the American Consulate General in Guangzhou issued a warning via email about unscrupulous cabbies in China. In part, the message read:
“Recently there has been an increase in reports of some taxi drivers attempting to charge inflated fares for relatively inexpensive trips, in some cases resulting in verbal or physical confrontations when customers refused to pay these fares. When using taxis, please avoid any altercations with the driver. Rather, attempt to remove yourself from the situation. If a driver refuses to use the meter, take another taxi. Should you feel threatened, please make note of the driver’s name and license number and report the incident to the taxi company and/or police.”
[Images via Tencent News]
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