The transportation authority in Beijing is to stop processing applications for taxi operators due to saturation of the market with 63 thousand taxis on the road.

The total number of taxis in Beijing has reached 63 thousand, a number authorities feel is sufficient to satisfy market needs.

In another development affecting the taxi industry, the ubiquitous domestically produced "Xiali" taxis are to be replaced as they are considered outdated and most are in bad repair.

In addition, all taxis will have to come up to the new Euro II exhaust emission standard set by the authority.

(CRI July 13, 2004)