FOUR deputies have called on transport authorities and police to implement stricter measures to curb rampant illegal taxi services by private cars at Futian Checkpoint.
The deputies made the appeal after an inspection of the checkpoint last week where they saw inbound travelers from Hong Kong surrounded by women harassing them to take illegal taxis.
After bargaining, the women called the drivers of private cars to take the passengers.
Most illegal taxis near the checkpoint were operated by couples.
Passengers were also surrounded by people handing out brochures for nightclubs, massage parlors and sauna clubs.
These illegal services at checkpoints have marred the city s image and government departments should implement stricter measures to curb the violations, deputy Chen Yamei suggested.
The traffic situation at Futian Checkpoint has long been criticized by residents since it opened in August 2007. The checkpoint is in Yunongcun Community where roads are generally narrow with few areas for parking.
Although the transport authority had renovated the western square of the checkpoint into a parking area for taxis and set up a corridor connecting the checkpoint with bus and taxi stations, travelers had to walk two to three blocks, often with luggage, before they could get a taxi or bus.
Because the checkpoint is not seamlessly connected with bus stops or taxi stands, the design shortcomings created opportunities for illegal taxi operators who can intercept travelers, deputy Yang Qin said in his suggestion.
They [illegal taxi drivers] are competitive because they are flexible in setting prices and the impatience of travelers who dislike queuing for legal taxis was also a reason for the proliferation of illegal taxis, Yang said.
(Han Ximin)
