Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

"The flag-down rate of ordinary taxis will still be 14 yuan. Passengers will only see benefits from the new pricing structure if their rides are longer than 15 kilometers."

The taxi flag-down rate of most taxis in Shanghai will increase by 1 yuan ($0.16) starting October 8. But since the fuel surcharge will be canceled, the new rate will still stay unchanged. However, as the operational cost of Volkswagen Touran taxis (aka "Expo vans") are more expensive, their rate will be raised to 16 yuan. A taxi driver told the Shanghai Morning Post that since the cost of waiting in a taxi will also increase, a 10-minute waiting period will cost the passenger an additional 1 yuan.