Beijing’s first taxi stations completed

The Beijing Commission of Transport has announced the city’s first 170 taxi stations are ready.

The stations, now concentrated in the downtown area, are meant to make it easier for residents to hail a taxi. The stations are near hospitals, institutions, and commercial and residential areas.

The commission said it’s easier for passengers to hail a taxi at a station than taking their chances waiting on the street for one.

A total of more than 600 stations will be at key commercial, academic and residential areas in the city by the end of June, the commission said.

Passengers can also dial 96106 when no taxi is available at stations, and a dispatch center will send a cab to that spot.