TAXIS IN CHINA

TAXIS in China may take many and varied forms. The standard taxi is the VW Santana. VW seems to have the monopoly in providing taxis for they are built in China. This 4  door, 4 cylinder manual vehicle is generally coloured in a two tone sea green and silver grey. The driver, in his or her cockpit, is surrounded by clear plastic. Cabs provide seat belts but they are usually impossible to use, especially for rear seat passengers. When driven in the lower gears the passenger enjoys the humping jerks as the vehicle attempts to gather speed. The gear shift is on the floor and I experience many a very WARM left foot when it rests too close to the transmission! Once wound into higher gear the driver will maintain speed to avoid changing to a lower gear. Thus his main control is the HORN, constantly warning other road users with the shrill, bluster of the klaxon as it weaves its way in and out of traffic!! Cab charges commence at 11RMB (A$2).  

Drivers rarely understand English so written Chinese instructions are essential. Drivers are very proficient in driving with one hand on the gear stick and the other hand holding a mobile phone. As for having a conversation with the driver I left this to his radio or his mobile!

 

A typical Suzhou/Shanghai VW Taxi.

 

Some Suzhou cabs are one horse power.

 

These cabs have been modernised with pneumatic tyres.

 

Some economy cabs have 3 wheels and use peddle power.

 

Occasionally drivers become tired of waiting for fares.

 

Potential customers ignore this taxi rank.

 

Drivers are multi-skilled which includes manicures.

 

Drivers sometimes provide hand signals.

 

Drivers are often very relaxed.

 

Motorized three-wheel cabs provide weather protection.

 

Motorized water taxis place the driver at the rear of the raft.

 

A slack time at the water taxi rank.

 

This water taxi is hand propelled.

 

The latest water taxi. Note, it's poly-mate, MATE!

 

Xi'an taxis buck the colour trend.

 

No. The pole on wheels was not a cab. The taxi is on the left.

 

Shanghai cabs need to be vigilant in obeying road rules.

 

The taxi drag race!

 

Suzhou cabs sometimes ignore my frantic waving.

 

Cab drivers need to be aware of idiots!!!