The siji's new clothes

Well, we're one week before the Opening Day ceremonies! I walked outside today and found that all the cabdrivers were wearing the same outfit. I love taxicab culture in Beijing, so whenever I get a chance I always start up a little chat with one, even when I'm not riding. The new clothes offered a perfect conversation starter. I asked one driver, and it turns out this is the new uniform for cabbies.

Before there didn't seem to be a uniform, they wore basic dark color pants and a white or light blue shirt. At least, I don't think that was a specified uniform. Now they have dark navy pants with cargo pockets and zippers everywhere. The pants have the English words "Beijing Taxi" written on one side above a pocket. The cabbies wear a yellow button down shirt and some wear a striped tie. Others have the top buttons of their shirts open. All the different cab companies have this same uniform.

I asked another one as I was walking and it turns out if they don't wear this uniform they can be fined by the Police. That's pretty intense. "Serve the People! for the Olympics!" He told me in Chinese. Not bad at all. He told me the tie wasn't standard because it "could be dangerous." Then he made a flapping arm motion of the tie flying around his neck and waving into the back seat. I couldn't tell if he meant it could choke him or if the person riding in the backseat would be whipped by it when the windows were open. Either way, it's dangerous.

With a set uniform, the only thing I worry is that the clothes will be washed less? I hope not, some cabbies already have a scent all their own. I can never tell if it's the cabs they drive or those cabbies themselves. At any rate, I think the uniforms look pretty classy and it makes the cabbies look more dignified for such tiring, hard work. I just hope the starting price doesn't increase come next Friday with all this dignification.