Catching cabs without going into the black

The taxi problem in Beijing has become a favorite topic recently, probably because this winter is the coldest in years and, with the coming Spring Festival, people are going out.

The Beijing subway transports 8.7 million commuters daily. New lines have opened recently, and they lure so many passengers that cab drivers say they can feel the difference. Usually, they avoid seeking passengers close to subway stations, and this means they now avoid 221 major spots in the capital city.

There are 67,000 taxis in the capital, counting day and night drivers, but that's still not enough, users say. About 10,000 drivers take a break during peak hours, as the waiting time and the consumed fuel are not balanced by the fee. Let alone the customers' dissatisfaction.