4,000 vehicles tailored for World Expo

As the Shanghai World Expo approaches, the city has rolled out taxis especially designed for the event. More than 4,000 vehicles will be put into use before April 20th.

More than 4,000 vehicles will be put into use before April 20th.

Of the 4,000 vehicles tailored for the Shanghai World Expo, more than 3600 are Tourans, and about 300 are Buick LaCrosses. Famous scenes, including the China Pavilion, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and Nanpu Bridge were painted on the vehicles.

These cars use a low-carbon concept. Buick especially designed the Eco-Hybrid LaCrosse for the Expo, which will reduce fuel and emissions by more than 15 percent. While the Touran adopts a grey interior and leather seating, which could save water when cleaning.

The Touran has a larger trunk than ordinary ones, which allows four big pieces of luggage at the same time.

Taxi drivers are also carrying some special equipment for the Expo.

Taxi driver Gong Yibin said, "My company prepared a medicine-chest for each car. This is menthol balm, and these are Band-Aids, Here we also have a simple poncho cloth, garbage bag and more."

The price for these vehicles are the same as ordinary ones, and they can enter restricted areas at any time.

Huang Xiaoyong, deputy director of World Expo Traffic Coordination Group,said, "Now more than 700 vehicles are on the road, while the others are waiting for license plates. The 4,000 vehicles will start operation before the Expo. These vehicles can enter the restricted areas anytime, but ordinary cabs can only enter these areas before 7 AM or after 9 PM."

These vehicles will first serve residents and workers within the restricted ares and will be available to the general public when there's no task from inside the restricted ares.