The first batch of new taxis in Beijing was put into service last Saturday.

One hundred new taxis, all Sonata models made by Beijing Hyundai, are now serving customers and capable of meeting Euro III, an international auto emission control standard.

The new taxis are in bright blue and yellow, and charge a fare of 1.6 RMB per kilometer, the same as many taxis currently in use.

Beijing is expected to put 20,000 new taxis on the road this year.

(CRI January 24, 2005)