According to Shanghai Daily, currently being considered is a "flexible taxi rate" that would charge more during rush hours and have cheaper rates for quieter times. By introducing these new rates, the Shanghai Taxi Bureau is hoping to improve taxi service efficiency while relieving downtown road congestion. The plan's still in the "feasibility study" stage and no proposed price points have been announced, but taxi drivers seem to already be getting worried. "I doubt whether extra income from peak-time service can cover losses from reduced fares in slack periods," one cabbie told the paper. more ›

Under debate right now at the city transportation bureau: whether taxi fees need to be rejiggered. According to Xinmin, the bureau is considering abolishing the “night time fee” since low demand and strong supply was causing passengers to negotiate directly with drivers for lower fares. Instead, they would consider increasing fees during rush hours - a sort of “peak time fee” instead - that would hopefully help decrease demand for taxis during the most crowded parts of the day. The bureau said that since new regulations will effect everybody, they would conduct comprehensive feasibility studies before passing anything. more ›