Taxi drivers urged not to refuse passengers

Beijing taxi drivers should not change shifts during the morning and evening rush hours, or use the shift change as excuse for refusing to pick up passengers, according to a new code of conduct issued by taxi driver association.

The new code of conduct, issued recently by the Beijing Taxicab and Livery Association, also made it clear that taxi drivers who refuse to pick up passengers without justification or deliberately take longer routes to increase fares would be put on a blacklist. Taxi companies will not hire drivers on the blacklist.

The new code of conduct was released amid public complaints that many taxis don’t stop for passengers during morning and evening rush hours.