New Interpreter System for China Taxis

Posted on Monday, February 1, 2010
Category: Interpreting, Technology

Tourists to Shanghai next year will be the first to try out a new fleet of taxicabs featuring English-language interpreters in China.

Shanghai’s five biggest taxi companies are trying out a new dispatch system using Chinese-to-English interpreters, in preparation for the city’s celebrated World Expo in May 2010.

Making a Change: Interpreters in China

Shanghai’s current taxi system does not use any interpreters, although many visitors to China do not speak the language.

Instead, tourists are advised to present a card with their destination written in Chinese to the driver, so that he or she can interpret the meaning.

In the new system, travelers will call a taxi hotline and state their destination. An interpreter in China will call back with an estimated arrival time in English, and will relay the information to the cab driver in Chinese.

Cab companies hope the addition of the interpreter in the chain of communication will bring more visitors to China, and facilitate the transportation process for foreign visitors.

Preparing for the World Expo

The new interpreter system in China taxis is especially designed for the influx of tourists to Shanghai during the six-month World Expo.

Although the system of interpreters will be used for any destination in China during normal hours, the system will be reserved for travelers to the Expo during peak traffic times.

The changes in transport aren’t limited to the addition of interpreters. China cab companies are spiffing up the cabs themselves. 4,000 new Volkswagen and General Motors cars will be added to the 47,000 cars already in the fleet.

Drivers are also required to wear a professional uniform consisting of a white shirt, blue suit and blue tie.

The changes in the interpreter system in China taxicabs reflects the overall theme of the expo: “Better City — Better Life.” It will feature cultural events and technological innovations from around the country.

As visitors travel to Shanghai to see the Expo, they’ll see all the wonders of the emerging economic capital. And they’ll also be able to navigate the streets of China more easily, thanks to the interpreters standing by.