Public reaction to taxi fare increase in Beijing

Beijing planning authorities think the new taxi fare plan will help ease the pressure of hailing a cab in the capital, but many Internet users have expressed different views.

Most respondents are opposed to this round of taxi fare increase. They argue that taxi companies should lower the rental fees, which are a huge burden for many taxi drivers. While some think the government should subsidize taxi companies and adjust the management of the whole industry.

Concerns have also been raised over whether the new plan will give a bigger market share to unlicensed cabs and give them an excuse to raise their prices as well. Some believe the move will result in more people buying private cars, compounding the city's traffic woes.