- White card
White card (Chinese: 白牌) is a cultural term used to describe citizen-owned automobiles in
Hong Kong that act as private taxi service illegally without license.History
The term has been around since the 1950s if not earlier when there was a shortage of public transportation [ [http://www.gzsdfz.org.cn/gzsz/19/sg/sz19sg070103.htm "The construction of Hong Kong"] , Guangzhou government (广州市地方志馆), Retrieved on
2007-07-04 zh icon] . In the 1950s, Hong Kong taxis were limited in numbers. If someone owned an automobile, that person could drive any customer around to some preferred destination. The person can start their own illegal business, and operate entirely without any official licenses under any government regulation. Hence the term "White card" is a loose comparison to a fake taxi license. The concept is still around in the 2000s when citizens needed a ride in the more rural areas with no taxi service. Though it is different fromhitchhiking , as drivers can charge whatever rates might best fit the situation.References
ee also
*
Taxicabs of Hong Kong
*1950s in Hong Kong
*Illegal taxicab operation
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