Taxi Incidents in Shanghai

As a foreigner in Shanghai, I am seldom agitated by the quirks of the city as I have always believe I am just a guest in a foreign land. However, recently there were two incidents in a day which really irritated me. And yes, they involved taxis.

Incident 1

I was on the way to Times Square to meet a friend for dinner. The taxi driver could not drop me at where I wanted but instead choose to drop me a very short distance away. I agreed since this is not unreasonable. Just when I was already paying the taxi driver, the passenger door swang opened. No, it was not some VIP service from a hotel. Without looking, I already know this was a very "straight in the face" hint from some very impatient people to tell me to hurry up. Just as I was alighting, I could tell the people that wanted the taxi could not wait for me to exit the taxi sooner.

How about exercising some patience? I was in a hurry too.

Incident 2

Just as I was crossing the road, a taxi driver defied the traffic signal even though I have the right of way. He went straight towards me. It was a game of brinksmanship. I ducked in time and he missed me by 30 cm or so. Throughout the process, the taxi driver did not change his course of direction. Had my reaction not been fast enough, I would probably have not unscathed.

Guys, its a big city in Shanghai. Two advices from two incidents : Stay cool. Stay safe.

Comments

[Maotai]

You do know that he has the right of way as long as he does not hit you ;) Really, it's legal.