Disabled find it difficult to hail suitable taxis

Disabled groups in Beijing are facing a taxi shortage as the capital's easy access taxis are used primarily to transport patients from hospitals, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Wednesday.

Beijing has about 70 of these taxis. But drivers often use them to carry patients, charging less than ambulances. This made it difficult for people with physical disabilities to hail a cab, the report said.

The taxis were introduced to the capital during the 2008 Olympic Games and many are poorly maintained and close to being taken off the road, Ma Rui, the deputy chief at the transportation administration of the Beijing Commission of Transport, said.

Ma said the authority is considering upgrading the taxis.