Govt cooperation with cab-calling apps benefits passengers and drivers

A Chinese mobile phone user uses the taxi-hailing app Didi Dache backed by Tencent on his smartphone in Shanghai, China, 16 October 2014. [Photo/IC]

The Shanghai municipal government, local taxi companies and Didi, an online cab-calling app company, recently founded a joint information service platform, which marks the first instance of an online cab-calling company working with the government and cab companies. Comments:

The government as the boss of the taxi monopoly companies thought it could calculate how many taxis are needed and put enough into the market. However, the market demands are dynamic and the calculated number never meets the demand, especially during peak hours. That has left space for drivers to earn extra money by putting their private cars into commercial use as part-time taxis. Cab-calling apps make it possible to meet the demand and the Shanghai government has made a wise move.

Shenzhen Business Daily, June 2

Cab-calling apps have already become so popular that the government can no longer turn a blind eye to them. What Shanghai has done is a good start, as it will relieve residents of the old headache of not being able to get a taxi, while the government can better supervise the cab-calling apps. A win-win result.

gmw.cn, June 2

In direct contrast to Shanghai, authorities in Ji'nan, capital of East China's Shandong province, have forced taxi drivers to uninstall their cab-calling apps and will punish those still keeping them. It is impossible to curb the progress of technology; if the taxi monopolies continue resisting the trend toward greater convenience for residents, they will find themselves ignored by passengers.

Hunan Morning Post, June 1

Few people notice cab-calling apps promote environmental protection and cut the number of cars on the road, besides saving passengers some money. If a car carries four passengers instead of only one, there will be a lighter traffic flow and less exhaust emissions. For the sake of environmental protection, the government should support cab-calling apps.

Ren Zhiqiang, real estate developer and active commentator, June 1