This temporary policy was a welcome step by the local government in its fight against SARS.

So far the impact of the disease has fallen unevenly across various sectors of the economy. Taxi drivers are among those most directly hit by the business-reducing effects of the SARS outbreak in the capital.

As a vital part of Beijing's transportation system, taxis have become the preferred choice for many who have to travel across the city, with the public being advised to avoid crowds whilst the SARS outbreak continues.

However, the sharp drop in the overall flow of people fearful of contracting the disease, has inevitably brought down the incomes of taxi drivers and discouraged them from working.

This supportive move on the part of the municipal government demonstrates that the authorities are not only paying attention to the convenience of the general public in getting about, but that they are also taking heed of the very real difficulties taxi drivers are facing at this time.

As with the huge amount of funds central government has pumped into the health-care system, such policies targeting specific sectors hit hardest by SARS, are essential for shoring up public confidence.

The sudden outbreak of SARS has exposed weakness of the country's health care system. The all-out war the country has launched against SARS provides a chance to address these problems, and will prove crucial to the country's long-term, sustainable development.

The temporary supportive policy in respect of Beijing's cabbies has also opened up the long-debated argument over excessive fees charged by taxi companies to drivers. That problem recently drew widespread public criticism, but no prompt response on the part of the municipal government.

Let us hope their newly issued policy becomes more than a temporary measure at a moment of crisis. Addressing the longstanding problem of exorbitant fees levied by taxi firms on their drivers is also the responsibility of the municipal authorities.

(China Daily May 6, 2003)