Nanjing offers more high-end taxis

Nanjing increased the number of high-end taxis, arousing much discussion among residents.

After 500 British-style taxis were put into use in August, another batch of mid-range cars, such as the Teana and Camry, began operations since Tuesday.

Now the city has three kinds of taxis. British-style taxis cost 9 yuan ($1.48) for the first 2 km and then 2.9 yuan for each km afterward. Taxis including the Teana and Camry cost 9 yuan for the first 2.5 km and then 2.9 yuan per km. But regular taxis cost only 9 yuan for the first 3 km and 2.4 yuan for each additional km.

According to a survey launched by a local website, more than 90 percent of the city's residents thought the expensive taxis were unnecessary and a financial burden.

Many residents said they wondered if the taxis are just "window dressing" for the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in the city next year.