Are taxis simply too close to being “public transportation” for you? Do you require the services of a vehicle that is more attuned to your needs?
Maybe you need the services of a BMW Series 6, or a Audi A6. And now, you can rent one as a taxi in Guangzhou, reports Guangzhou Daily.
Announced yesterday by taxi app Kuaidi, a new taxi app called “Line One Cars” gives users the option of reserving luxury cars for a trip or daily commute. It has been named as a competitor to the popular app Uber, which launched in Guangzhou and Shenzhen at the beginning of the year.
These high-end taxis are already available in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Different prices and options are available for “Line One Cars”: There’s economy class, cozy class, merchant class, and luxury class. These get separated into various existing taxi companies and car brands: Dazhong, Tongyong, BMW and Audi.
While commuters seem pleased by the extra options available to them, Guangzhou taxi drivers are not, saying they will cut into their profits. The Guangzhou traffic department also expressed concern seeing as these BMW and Audi taxis aren’t actually taxis:
Even though luxury cars are nice, at present this just has the appearance of being a car for rent, and not an authentic taxi. It isn’t under the jurisdiction of the transport deparment. If there are any disputes arising between passengers and this company, passengers will only be able to rely upon the goodwill of the latter.
Related:
- Foreigner Charged RMB 2,700 for a Ride in a Fake Taxi in Beijing
- Taxi Driver Violently Attacked by Foreigner in Shanghai
- Shenzhen Taxis Getting Fancy New Screens, Multiple Payment Options
- Dongguan Cabbie Dies After Working 24 Continuous Hours
Photos: Guangzhou Daily