This Day, That Year

Item from Jan 14, 1987, in China Daily: Taxi drivers in Beijing compete for customers. One sign advertises air-conditioned comfort to the Qianmen area, despite the temperatures well below freezing.

The rapid development of car-sharing service apps, such as Chinese provider Didi Kuaidi and US-based competitor Uber, have changed the way many commuters use taxis or private cars.

By just tapping on their smartphones, users are able to request for a taxi or private car, wait for a driver nearby to accept the order and get picked up on the spot. Customers are also able to track the approach and arrival of the vehicles in real time, all at very competitive rates.