Cameras installed in Guangzhou taxis

Taxi passengers and drivers are being made safer in Guangzhou after the introduction of in-cab surveillance cameras and microphones, to be regulated by the government.

The cameras ensure that belongings left in taxis are easily found, as well as protecting drivers and passengers from being ripped off or affected by crime.

Although Aug 1 was the first day that the new policy came into effect, more than 12,000 taxis in Guangzhou have already been installed with cameras and microphones. The surveillance devices are connected to a supervision platform, enabling Guangzhou's transportation department to monitor the taxis and better regulate the industry.
"The surveillance devices are protective for both passengers and taxi drivers, making it easier to find lost belongings," said one passenger.

Apart from surveillance cameras, a touch screen smart terminal with maps and information about the taxi and the driver are also installed in the taxis.

"A total of 1,900 taxis have been equipped with the surveillance devices, accounting for two thirds of the total amount of our fleet," said a spokesperson of Guangzhou Transportation Group Taxi Company. He added that the company will continue to install the devices in all the taxis in the future.

"When troubles emerge between taxi drivers and passengers, the videos recorded by the cameras will be used to solve the dispute."

In order to protect the privacy of taxi drivers and passengers, clear regulations have been laid out to ensure that the videos are not misused. 

Over 12,000 taxis in Guangzhou have already been installed with surveillance cameras and voice recording devices. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]