打击专车出租服务引争议

The Ministry of Transportation released a statement ordering app developers to rule out private cars from their platforms.

The statement requires that all vehicles using the platforms should be owned by taxi or car-hire companies, citing passenger safety as the reason for the move.

The statement comes after a series of major Chinese cities cracked down on such services, which have gained popularity in recent months as many app operators are promoting it as "tailored taxi service."

Earlier this week, Liang Jianwei, head of Beijing's transport commission, warned that many cars providing "tailored taxi service" are indeed "black cabs."

"Any organization or individual is not allowed to provide taxi service without a license, while cars can't be used as cabs without an official test."

The authority has warned offending drivers that they could be fined up to 20,000 yuan, or about 3,200 US dollars.

Similar bans have also been issued in Shanghai, Shenyang, and Nanjing, where officials are citing concerns over an impact on normal taxi services and passenger safety.

In China, private car owners are forbidden from taking passengers for profit.

But many people who have been using these apps to hail a ride disagree with the restrictions.

They suggest the government should regulate such services instead of banning them.

"Frankly speaking, their service was really good. The driver provided me water for free during the ride and opened the door for me after the arrival."

They say extra cars are needed at times, especially rush hour when it's obvious there are not enough regular cabs to serve everyone who needs a ride.

Experts are also calling for reform of the taxi licensing system that has long been blamed for the cab shortage in big cities.

Uber-like apps emerged in China about a year ago.

Despite a higher flag-down rate than regular taxis, the "special cabs" that boast better service became popular, particularly with high-end passengers.