The Rise and Fall of the Taxi Industry in Quemoy from 1949 to 2016 and its Prospect.

• Main Authors: YUAN,TSENG-HUANG, 袁增煌
• Other Authors: LEE,TSONG-HAN
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/22kdqn

碩士 === 國立金門大學 === 閩南文化研究所 === 104 === After 1949, Quemoy became the front line of the cross-strait standoff. Beginning in 1956, Quemoy implemented a war zone administration experiment, placing the entire island under military management. Thus, the daily lives of Quemoy residents were restricted in many ways, and they experienced significant inconveniences. However, the economic needs of the enormous army encampment on Quemoy Island and its approximate area of just 150 square kilometers also prompted local residents to start "Military Brother Business" which catalyzed the establishment of many consumer market avenues. As part of this, the taxi industry also benefited from the Military Brother Business, and the 1980s were the golden years for taxis in Quemoy. At that time, daily average mileage for a taxi could regularly reach up to 300km, with monthly income of more than NTD 100,000. The thriving business also resulted in the asking sale price of a taxi license rising to more than NTD 1 million. However, in 1992 the combat zone administration was dissolved, and Quemoy gradually transitioned out of militarization toward tourism development. Stationed troops on the island were also reduced, which resulted in a decline in the taxi industry. This was particularly true after 1997 when Quemoy opened up taxi cooperatives, which resulted in a doubling of the number of taxis. By 1998, the national army implemented a policy of lean operations, and the number of stationed troops on the island dropped drastically, causing a crash in the taxi business. In 2001, with the lifting of the 50-year ban on direct trade and investment with the PRC, a ray of hope shone through as a result of an increase in tourist visits but ultimately was just a flash in the pan; further, the taxi business fell to its lowest level ever. It was only by 2010 that true prosperity truly began to be seen in tourism between the straits. Currently, the Quemoy taxi industry relies on the self-discipline of industry participants. Whether it is in terms of service quality or vehicle maintenance, everything requires greater upgrading. In addition, public authorities must actively assist taxi industry participants in leaping over the current difficulties and cooperatively establishing effective management systems alongside industry participants, making taxis the pride of the Quemoy tourism industry.