The innovative integration of transportation and the Internet, evidenced by the recent reform in car-hailing services, is expected to help improve governance on the modern transport system, Minister of Transport Yang Chuantang said on March 14.

“Instead of banning online car-hailing services, we gave them legal status through legislation. Also, through specific policies, we encouraged the new business model to provide more diversified services,” Yang said a press conference on reform and development of taxis during the fourth session of the 12th National People’s Congress.

According to Yang, the government will seek to multiply market supply of services through the development of online car-hailing. Also, through integration of the taxi industry and the Internet, traditional taxi services have been improved.

The government will take measures to relieve burdens on taxi drivers through reform in the management right of vehicles, Yang said. He added that shared models in the taxi industry such as carpooling will be encouraged and supported as well.

In addition, the minister said the government will prioritize the development of public transportation such as rail transit while improving taxi services.