Want to share a cab?

We have all suffered the great Shanghai taxi shortage of 2006. Now this taxi-share website (Chinese only) might offer a solution. Pinchela.com is designed for people living in the same area to share a taxi or privately-owned car if they are going to the same direction. It's car-pooling 2.0. Not only does the site provide a map for people to check out Shanghai roads, so that they can find a best route to their destination, it also has a a car share centre where interested members or guests are able to check updated information on various car shares throughout the city. There is a search engine, as well, for people to search car share information. Only registered members can publicize car share information. You can register here.

Shanghaiist thinks this is a great idea -- cost and energy saving -- but others raised issues that could be quite worrying, such as who should be responsible if there is an accident, etc. We're sure the mob of people who would gather on the street around the accident could help them sort it out.

The website has branches in other cities, too, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and more. Happy sharing, everyone!