Public hearing confirms Beijing cab fee hike

The first hike in Beijing's taxi fares since 2006 was agreed Thursday in a public hearing with 23 of all 25 participants showing their support, amid public concerns that the hearing process itself is just a formality.

Participants included 10 members of the public to represent passengers, three taxi drivers, two staff from taxi companies and officials.

The fare for the first three kilometers is to be raised to 13 yuan ($2.12) from 10 yuan. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform then offered two proposals for the fare per kilometer, with the first increasing the rate from 2 to 2.3 yuan after the first three kilometers, and the second suggesting a hike of 2.6 yuan per extra kilometer. 

Thirteen participants supported the first one, with another eight for the second and two personally-adjusted plans.

Proponents for the hike said it is necessary when fuel and commodity prices have continued to rise year-on-year.

The hearing came at a time when residents' complaints become louder about taxi drivers refusing to take passengers at rush hours since they cannot cover their costs when stuck in traffic.

Most of the 10 consumer representatives are still worried about how to prevent taxi companies from raising rental fees on the sly, even though this is strictly forbidden. The hike is intended to improve conditions for cabbies. Several participants said they have found some companies that have made the move.

Wu Ting, a participant who is an office worker, questioned why passengers should bear the consequences brought by the price hike.

Most drivers contacted by the Global Times have to pay a monthly rental fee of 5,000 yuan, while calls to shed the rental have surged among consumers and drivers. However, neither of the proposals mentioned a drop in this regard.

The second proposal was backed unanimously by taxi drivers and company representatives, with drivers saying that they are under big pressure to make ends meet. Companies denied that they have earned huge profits from the rental, claiming that most money is invested in subsidizing drivers, paying for their insurance and running the companies.

Commission officials said they would report the participants' suggestions to the municipal government in an effort to polish up the proposals.

The hearing's transparency also comes under attack as residents questioned how the participants were selected, and pointed that the process is merely a rubber stamp. Many also complained that the hearing is only about expressing opinions, rather than having any influence on the final policymaking.