Changchun's 'Karaoke Cab' attracts many customers

(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-08 09:57

A cab driver in Changchun City sure knows how to rock 'n roll.

The Jilin Province driver has outfitted his cab with three LCD screens, 16 speakers, a sub woofer, amplifier and refitted multimedia players so that his customers can sing their favorite songs while traveling to their destination, Modern Express reported.

Fan Xiaoming created the "Karaoke Cab" to realize his dream of singing in his car.

"I love singing, but I never have enough time to go to Karaoke," Fan told the newspaper.

Fan contacted a DJ at Changchun's radio station in September and asked for sponsorship. The DJ introduced him to someone, who paid 6,000 yuan (US$878) to launch an interactive radio program with Fan, the report said.

Fan has been driving his Karaoke Cab since October.

Many of Fan's customers sing several songs during their trip and he has a large number of repeat customers. The cabbie is also asked for his contact information as customers want to book his services for long distance trips, the report said.

The radio DJ even tells his audience that the first caller to spot Fan's cab everyday will receive a small gift, further increasing his popularity.

Fan told a Changchun-based newspaper that he never sings while driving and that the karaoke equipment is for the enjoyment of his customers.

“I use it only on my lunch break with some other cabbies,” Fan was quoted as saying.

A Bangkok cabbie installed similar equipment in his taxi. Some customers even ask the driver to take longer routes so they could enough time to complete their songs, according to the newspaper.

A Beijing cabbie spent more than 10,000 yuan to refit his car with a karaoke machine and refrigerator after one of his customers complained that he did not provide a unique service, according to the report.