Two Beijing taxi drivers have been awarded the title of "Star Taxi Driver" for July for their brave deeds, the first Beijing taxi drivers to be granted such honor.

Zhu Tie and Zhang Qifeng, working for different taxi companies, were elected "Star Taxi Drivers" by a public vote, which was launched by the local authorities to improve taxi services in support of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Of the 8,800 votes, Zhu won 2,780 for his seizing a swindler who had often sharked up taxi drivers, and Zhang won 2,380 for his seizing a banknote forger late at night and sending him to the police.

Two "star" taxi drivers in the Chinese capital will be chosen from 12 candidates every month. But these "stars" will be deprived of the title once passengers lodge complaint against them.

(Eastday.com.cn 07/31/2001)