Comment

Illegal services exist where there is no alternative

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-29 10:06

The first minibus line in Beijing - No 548 - was launched recently. It is a new type of public transport aimed at providing temporary service during the rush hours in some areas. The authorities pledged that, in the following half a year, similar minibus lines will be introduced elsewhere to supplement the trunk bus lines.

The No 548 bus got immediate good results. There were long queues of passengers in the bus station, while the unlicensed taxi drivers disappeared due to the lack of business.

Unlicensed black cabs have long troubled city officials, who have taken various means, including harsh punishments, to get rid of them. But the results are not satisfactory. Have the city authorities now realized that unlicensed taxis are popular where public transport services lack. The public has no other choice but to take unlicensed taxis and even motorcars.

Similar cases exist in many other fields. Illegal clinics and agents have been the targets of public complaints but it is often a painful choice for people to turn to such illegal services. People choose unlicensed clinics because of the scarcity, high charges and insufficient measures in protecting the privacy of customers at public hospitals.

The opening of the minibus line provided a new option to get rid off illegal services. When there is no demand, the business dies. It is a new thought in city management.

Excerpts from a comment in Beijing Times, June 28