Zhuhai Taxi's

I remember when they were talking about this law a while ago and did threaten several taxi drivers successfully. They did drive me to where I wanted to go but were very angry and drove like maniacs... I mean ten time worse than usual... scary ride!!
JJ

Yes, making a local taxi driver angry is like signing your own death warrant........

OH? That is nice. What number should i call to make a report?

Check our Handbooks:
http://zhuhai.expat9.com/handbook/zhuhai-local-transportation

Taxi driver's will usually refuse a fare between 5-7PM because that is when their shift ends. They will be subject to heavy fines if they miss their dead line by even a minute. They will take you at that time if it is on their way back to the "barn". Remember, if you will, if that was the time when they turned down your ride. I am sure it was not because they did not like the color of your skin or because you wanted to go to the wrong side of town.

Please note. Local taxi divers do have problems with riders, usually male Chinese from Manchuria. If there is an incident with rider who tries to rob them, it is an unwritten code for all drivers within radio range to come to the aid the taxi driver in trouble. In that circumstance, the rider better have fast legs because they will be subjected to a beating.

"Taxi driver's will usually refuse a fare between 5-7PM because that is when their shift ends."

This is perhaps one of the stupidest and most infuriating things about living in Zhuhai. I'll never, ever understand the "logic" (word does not exist in Chinese, BTW) of changing shifts during the middle of "rush hour"/dinner time. I'd close the window a bit to between 6 and 7PM. Before 6 still seems fairly ok.

Canrun...just have y nap between 5-7

Yea the shift thing during peak hours is absurd.

I am going to start my own taxi company... work one hour a day and make a lot $$$, haha
JJ

Talking of Logic ! It reminds me of Tsing Hua University Canteen. Ten minutes before students pile in for lunch, they used to clean the floors with dirty soapy mops. Was quite amusing, seeing students with a tray of food skate around trying to keep their balance ...some didnt make it ! Then they had to repay for another meal !!!

If I am not wrong Taxi changing shift at those "peak hours" are quite common in most countries?

The full scope.

There are approximately 1,700 taxi's in Zhuhai. The licenses for each cab is issued by the local government and can be purchased individually as an investment. 5, 6 years ago a license goes for 200,000RMB, today it is around 1,200,000RMB per license and is very hard to come by. Each cab is rented by two partners (usually friends) and shares the driving. The drivers pays the licensee about 14,000RMB a month. Due the math and you realize this is a much better investment than real estate.

The cab shift exchanges at 5:30PM, 6:30PM & 7:30PM. The odd numbers plates at the earlier shift and the even numbers at 6:30 shift, not sure about the last shift. The drivers think it is fair for them because each partner have a chance to drive at the most lucrative time. Of course, it is a great inconvenience for us.

Nope, taxi changes where i am from are usually 3pm & 3am.

With their overheads and fees, no wonder they drive like maniacs.....making a wage is a fine line !

I am told by drivers that they can make 4 to 5 thousand RMB a month, a very good wage by Chinese standards.