Thumbs down for London cabs

The iconic black hackney carriage that has been running for more than half a century on London's streets is being shunned by passengers in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, after less than six months into a pilot run.

In the past week, more than 30 of the 50 drivers of the new cab have suspended their contracts with the Hangzhou Foreign Tourism Taxi Company and handed back their vehicles because of sluggish business.

"Business has been very poor," said a driver surnamed Chen. "I feel like I've been driving an invisible car all day long, ignored by most of the passengers on the road, even if they are desperately in need of a ride.

"Many illegal taxis have made more money than mine."

Chen had expected to make a windfall from the "fancy eye-catching black cab" when he applied for it last August. Getting a taxi is like "winning a lottery" in Hangzhou, home to more than 8.7 million people but only 8,000 taxis.

The fleet of 50 purpose-built Englon TX4 taxis first hit the road during the National Para Games last September to help transport athletes with disability, and were kept in operation under the supervision of Hangzhou Foreign Tourism Taxi Co.

"It's mainly because people in Hangzhou do not know they are taxis, or assume they are more expensive taxis," said their operation manager, who gave her surname as Dong.

Featuring a similar design to the original London model, the cars boast a larger body, more spacious seating for five passengers and being more user-friendly for the disabled.

But with greater fuel consumption than regular taxis to pay for, most drivers have failed to make any profit.

According to Dong, after paying fuel costs and leasing fees, the London-cab drivers earn around 70 yuan ($11) a day, while regular taxi drivers make at least 150 yuan.

There are around 100 Englon TX4 taxis in China.