The yellow seven-passenger minivans operated by Qiangsheng Taxi Co have been so popular since they hit the streets in Shanghai last month that demand for the service exceeds supply.
The yellow seven-passenger minivans operated by Qiangsheng Taxi Co have been so popular since they hit the streets in Shanghai last month that demand for the service exceeds supply.
Photo: Xinhuanet
The minivans, manufactured by Zhengzhou Nissan, have a flag-down fare of 19 yuan ($2.90), 5 yuan more than ordinary taxis but the same as the British-style “golden cab” taxis launched by Qiangsheng in 2014.
Photo: Baidu
Ni Guochang, 53, who has been a taxi driver for over 16 years, got behind the wheel of his Zhengzhou Nissan NV220 three weeks ago for the first time. He’s thrilled.
“I used to turn down family customers because my cab could take only up to four people,” he said. “But now I can accommodate six people, and because of the higher fare, I can earn with 17 or 18 rides what I used to earn with 20 or more with my old car.”
Before online ride-sharing platforms such as Didi Chuxing swept the country, Ni said he had repeat customers regularly. They hailed his cab because they liked the service he gave them.
Photo: Xinhuanet
The seven-passenger taxi can easily accommodates wheelchair customers. The back seat is collapsible to offer extra space, and the van comes equipped with an aluminum ramp to push wheelchairs into the car.
Photo: Xinhuanet
Shen Jiaqiang, whose disabled father has been in a wheelchair for more than a decade, is overjoyed to see the new minivan services.
“Now I don’t have to hoist my father into the car, then take the wheelchair back to put in the trunk every time I have to take him to the doctor,” Shen said.
He said he doesn’t mind the higher fare because his father suffers less in transit.
Photo: Sohu
According to Tang Jian, operating manager of Qiangsheng Taxi, foreigners who speak English can easily book a cab because all telephone operators at the company speak English.
Tang said 10 percent of passengers using the new minivans are disabled people directed to the service by the Shanghai Disabled People’s Federation. Qiangsheng has been workingwith the group several years after problems arose about taxi drivers unwilling to pick up the disabled.
Shanghai being a metropolis, diversity is important along with the quality of the service. Also, the cost of a taxi ride may be on the rise.
Source: Xinhuanet/ Shanghaidaily/ Sohu
