Friday, August 1, 2008

Taxis: Scarce Commodity

In the last few days I've asked taxi drivers if the alternating cars on the roads has led to more business.

One told me it has at certain times of the day, like the morning rush, but then business drops in the evening.

I don't know if it's deliberate or not, but I've seen cabbies parking their cars along some streets and not interested in picking up any business. Or perhaps it's their break and they're taking a snooze.

It just makes taxis more scarce in the summer when it's just too hot to bear standing in a bus for more than 30 minutes that doesn't have air conditioning.

When I ask the drivers what they think about the Olympics, they basically say the same thing.

"It's good for Beijing because it's improved the city, putting in more roads, subways, more trees and plants," said one. "But the Games aren't really for us."

Another added, "A lot of money has been spent on the Olympics. It's not for us. If nothing happens, then it will be money well spent. But if something does happen, then it will all have gone to waste."

I've heard similar comments from other residents wishing for the hoopla to end soon.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

the olympics is just a show for the world audience. we all have to suffer a little and contribute a lot to make it a success. it is worthwhile. put china under the microscope and let the world be the judge. wishing it every success and make all chinese proud.