E-hailing taxi app becomes popular in large cities (3)

Regulation risks

One function of these e-hailing apps has allowed customers to pay a premium when they are in urgent need of a taxi during rush hour.

However, paying such a premium is illegal according to transportation regulations. Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport told the Beijing Times on April 20 that it would create regulations to control the market, and may also establish a unified taxi appointment platform.

The commission did not reply to an interview request sent by the Global Times on Tuesday.

The transport authorities in Shanghai and Wuhan also said that it is illegal to pay or charge premiums.

But taxi drivers and consumers hold a different view. "The premium is voluntarily given by customers, like a tip. Taxi drivers cannot force a premium price," said Zhao.

Other than the premium issue, some have also expressed concerns that the e-hailing apps may be used by illegal taxis to get customers.

Zhuo from Didi Taxi said that more government regulation would be welcome, as it could help to weed out unqualified companies, and make it easier for qualified ones to survive.

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