Next time you move, add "proximity to a hospital" to the criteria considered when choosing a new home.
That's because beginning May 1, Beijing ambulances will charge per kilometer for their services, the same as taxis do, state media reported Thursday.
The flagfall is RMB 50 for the initial pick-up and first three kilometers, with an additional RMB 7 per kilometer after that. By contrast, a Beijing taxi costs RMB 13 for three kilometers and RMB 2.30 per kilometer beyond that.
The fees apply to ambulances summoned using the 120 and 999 emergency hotline numbers. The fee only applies to journeys occupied by patients – no longer will the drive from the hospital or other departure point to the patient's location be charged.
Be sure before you call. People who summon ambulances but decline them upon arrival will still be assessed a RMB 50 fine.
It's still not a bad deal. A 2013 New York Times report documented the case of a swimming instructor who took a 15-kilometer ambulance trip in California – which cost her USD 1,772.
What's next, Uber Ambulance?
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Email: stevenschwankert@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: Ambulance-Photos
It would only be worth it if people actually moved out of the way. Imagine a 10 minute ride from Dongsishitiao to Chaoyang Yiyuan at 7pm on a Friday night. What a dream! You could pretend that all six of your friends were very concerned and must travel with you... and you'd get a bed, too.
Sounds like luxuary. A taxi couldn't even be stuffed with four people, free rides for friends!
It would only be worth it if people actually moved out of the way. Imagine a 10 minute ride from Dongsishitiao to Chaoyang Yiyuan at 7pm on a Friday night. What a dream! You could pretend that all six of your friends were very concerned and must travel with you... and you'd get a bed, too.
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