Shenzhen will implement new taxi rates starting Friday, increasing the mileage fee from 2.6 yuan (US$0.4) per kilometer to 2.7 yuan and other surcharges, Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission, the city’s price watchdog, announced on its official website yesterday.
After the change, taxi passengers will have to pay additional 2.27 yuan or 7.68 percent more per ride in average, according to a calculationmadeby the Shenzhen Municipal Transport Commission.
Though the 10-yuan flag rate for the first 2 kilometers remains unchanged, authorities will allow taxi drivers to surcharge 15 yuan per ride for passengers leaving the airport and 5 yuan per ride for riders leaving Shenzhen North Railway Station between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
During the Spring Festival holiday period, drivers can surcharge 10 yuan per ride on passengers, according to the adjustment plan.
The normal 30-percent surcharge during night rides between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. remains unchanged, authorities said.
To cover empty return trips, cabbies can charge an additional 30 percent for distances between 25 and 35 kilometers, and 60 percent for distances over 35 kilometers. The fee is applicable for the whole day, instead of just nighttime.
The waiting time charge is 0.8 yuan per minute when the vehicle speed is between 0 and 10 kilometers per hour.
For passengers with luggage, if a bag surpasses 0.2 cubic meters in size or more than 20 kilograms in weight, drivers can charge 0.5 yuan per piece.
Taxis can charge a maximum of 6 yuan for telephone booking surcharge, as per the new plan.
Currently, taxis are allowed to surcharge 30 percent for distances between 25 and 50 kilometers and 60 percent for distances above 50 kilometers.