Guangzhou taxi driver detained for 7 days for overcharging foreign passenger by $90

(ECNS) -- A taxi driver in Guangzhou, in southern China's Guangdong province, has been given seven days of administrative detention on suspicion of fraud for charging a foreign passenger 600 yuan (about $90) more than the normal fare, city transport authorities said Monday.

The driver, surnamed Ruan, worked for Baiyun Group. He picked up the foreign passenger at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and drove the passenger to Guangzhou South Railway Station. On arrival, Ruan demanded a high fare and ended up charging the passenger 600 yuan more than the normal fare.

The passenger reported the incident to police on Oct. 22. On Nov. 1, police gave Ruan seven days of administrative detention on suspicion of fraud.

The Guangzhou Municipal Transport Bureau will open a case against Ruan for violating fare regulations, according to the statement. The city's transport authorities have also urged the company to handle the case under its internal management rules, and said they will circulate details of the violation within the industry. Baiyun Group has decided to dismiss Ruan.

(By Gong Weiwei)