Beijing taxis will be stuffier than usual in the run-up to leadership transition of the 18th Party Congress, scheduled for November 8. The state-run Global Times reports that the rear windows of Beijing taxis are locked until further notice to prevent passengers from “handing out leaflets with adverse information.” The notice below, posted to Weibo by @luhualuhua (@卢桦), instructs cabbies on this “zero spread rule” and other regulations:
Work Memo
I. Taxicab Fuel Surcharge Adjustment
(1) As of midnight September 29, 2012, the fuel surcharge for all taxicabs will be adjusted to 3.00 yuan per trip.
(2) The fuel surcharge can be collected for all trips exceeding (but not including) three kilometers.
(3) Requirements: Remove all old signage and affix new signage directly above driver registration cards.
II. Strengthen Monitoring of Vehicles and Drivers Involved in of Meter Tampering
(1) Taxicab companies are to reinforce inspection measures. Meters discovered to have been altered must be removed without exception. Infractions committed by a driver must be dealt with in terms of a breach of contract.
(2) If a problem is investigated and prosecuted by law enforcement officials, persons involved will assume the consequences, including the responsibility to pay related fines.III. “Zero Spread” Requirements for Taxicabs During the 18th Party Congress Security Period (Convening on November 8)
(1) During the 18th Party Congress period, taxicab drivers are to “seal the door” and “seal the windows.” “Seal the door” by activating child safety locks on the doors. “Seal the windows” by removing window cranks.(2) During the 18th Party Congress period, taxicab drivers are to be on guard for passengers carrying any type of ball. Look for passengers who intend to spread messages by carrying balloons that bear slogans or ping-pong balls bearing reactionary messages.
(3) During the 18th Party Congress period, if driver finds himself on a route through areas of political importance, he must find a detour. Pay attention to technique and manner in order to avoid unnecessary conflict with passengers.
(4) During the 18th Party Congress period, drivers are to regularly inspect the inside and outside of their vehicles in order to ensure lawbreakers have not affixed reactionary materials or messages to the vehicle.
(5) Report any information that could affect public stability in a timely fashion. The public security corps will reward those who notify public security messengers.
IV. Use of Taxicab Stand at Beijing West Railway Station’s Southern Plaza and Locations for Solicitation*(1) Location
North: East-west extension of West Station Southern Plaza exit, east entrance to Guanglian Road.
South: East-west extension of entrance and exit to West Station Southern Plaza underground parking lot, at the intersection of East Road and the public transportation stand.
East: North-south extension of east curb of east side road at East Station Southern Plaza public transportation and north of intersection of Guanglian Road and Maliandao North Road.
West: West curb of East Road at the entrance to Lianhuachi Park
(2) Map
Via CDT Chinese. Translation by Little Bluegill.
Note:
* These areas were not open until late September. Back.
