Mini convenience stores in taxis raise safety concerns

Taxis set up with mini convenience stores have raised concerned about vehicle safety, according to a report in Beijing Youth Daily.

Some drivers are engaging companies to install shelves or pockets containing food, drinks, and emergency supplies that passengers can buy during their ride using a payment app on their phone. The drivers receive a percentage of the sale value.

The services have debuted in several cities, including Shenzhen and Hangzhou. Some drivers in Chengdu have gone one step further, providing passengers with the option of paying extra to enjoy a massage in a massage chair installed in the car.

The Beijing Youth Daily report says that drivers and passengers have generally responded positively to the new services. But others are suggesting that installing mini-shops in the limited space inside a taxi could negatively impact on the use of seat belts and airbags, making the vehicle less safe. Concerns have also been raised that drivers will be distracted with selling goods when they should be concentrating on driving.

Responding to these concerns, Chen Yanjun, who runs a platform that helps drivers set up a mini store, says that no accidents have been caused because of the service over the past two years.

Transport authorities in various cities have said that there are no rules prohibiting the use of mini-stores, but that discussions are underway as to how they might be regulated.