Local governments seeking to protect interests in keeping taxi monopolies

ABOUT ONE MONTH after the central government legalized ride-hailing services, one province after another has issued detailed regulations on them. Beijing News comments:

When people need a taxi service, why do an increasing number choose to use a ride-hailing app, instead of waiting for a taxi by the roadside? The reason is simple: the app-called cabs are cheaper and more convenient.

The popularity of the ride-hailing apps is a good example of the flourishing internet-based economy. However, by breaking the monopoly of the taxi companies, they challenge the interests of local bureaucrats. That's why many local governments have sought to ban them.