China issues national standard for accessible taxi services, GB/T 48311-2026
In short
China's State Administration for Market Regulation has approved and released a national standard on accessible taxi operation services (GB/T 48311—2026). It guides taxi companies serving people with disabilities, older people and others who need accessible transport. Its requirements include basic sign language in driver training, wheelchair ramps or lifts on vehicles, and set dimensions for doors and taxi stops.
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China's State Administration for Market Regulation has approved and released a national standard on accessible taxi operation services, numbered GB/T 48311—2026. Yicai, Jiemian and IT Home reported that it guides companies serving people with disabilities, older people and other groups who need accessible transport, with the aim of improving taxi service quality. Yicai and Jiemian said the standard was released recently. IT Home reported on October 9 that the regulator had announced it that day. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
For company management, the standard requires taxi companies to set up management systems and emergency plans for accessible services. They must include the use of special devices and basic sign language communication in driver skills training. Companies must offer several booking channels, such as a mobile app and a staffed hotline, and post the details where people can easily see them. They must also run regular checks on service quality. These checks cover booking information, the condition of special devices, passenger cabin facilities, cleanliness and complaint channels. [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]
For drivers, the standard says that after accepting an order they should contact the passenger to confirm key details, such as the pickup time and whether the passenger has a wheelchair. Drivers should help wheelchair users get in and out of the car. They should describe the surroundings to passengers with visual impairments and properly settle guide dogs. With passengers who have hearing or speech impairments, they should communicate by gestures or in writing. [ 3 , 5 ]
For taxi stops, the ground should be firm, level and slip-resistant, should not collect water, and should have a slope of no more than 1:50. The curb side should have a wheelchair passage at least 1.5 metres wide that is level with the parking space. Where there is a difference in height, a curb ramp should connect it to nearby accessible facilities. Parking lines, wheelchair passage lines and accessibility symbols should be marked on the ground, and accessibility signs should be put up at the parking spaces. [ 3 , 5 ]
For vehicles, accessible taxis should have a ramp or wheelchair lift on the curb side. Doors must be at least 0.8 metres wide and the entrance at least 1.3 metres high. Inside, the standard calls for separate devices to secure wheelchairs and restrain passengers, as well as anti-slip handrails and grab handles. It recommends a cabin height of at least 1.35 metres and window controls that passengers can operate on their own. [ 3 , 5 ]
Jiemian and IT Home, which cited the official announcement, reported that China has already issued several national standards in recent years. These cover boarding wheelchairs, accessible services on urban rail transit and buses, and age-friendly facilities on urban rail transit. They said the new standard will further develop the system of standards for accessible transport services and support equal travel rights for people with disabilities and older people. [ 3 , 5 ]
Why it matters
According to Jiemian and IT Home, the standard adds to earlier national standards on accessible air, rail and bus services and is meant to support equal travel rights for people with disabilities and older people. It sets out what taxi companies, drivers, stops and vehicles should provide, so it covers how accessible taxis are run day to day.
Key facts
- The State Administration for Market Regulation approved and released the national standard on accessible taxi operation services. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The standard is numbered GB/T 48311—2026. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- It guides companies serving people with disabilities, older people and other groups who need accessible transport. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Companies must include the use of special devices and basic sign language communication in driver skills training. [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]
- Companies must offer several booking channels, such as a mobile app and a staffed hotline, and post the details where people can easily see them. [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]
- Accessible taxis should have a ramp or wheelchair lift on the curb side. Doors must be at least 0.8 metres wide and the entrance at least 1.3 metres high. [ 3 , 5 ]
- Taxi stops should have a wheelchair passage at least 1.5 metres wide on the curb side, and the ground should have a slope of no more than 1:50. [ 3 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The State Administration for Market Regulation approved and released the national standard on accessible taxi operation services. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The standard's number is GB/T 48311—2026. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- It requires companies to include basic sign language communication and the use of special devices in driver training. [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]
- It sets dimensions for vehicles, including doors at least 0.8 metres wide and an entrance at least 1.3 metres high. [ 3 , 5 ]
- It requires a curb-side wheelchair passage at least 1.5 metres wide at taxi stops. [ 3 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- The exact release date of the standard. Yicai and Jiemian say only that it was released recently, while IT Home says the regulator announced it on October 9.
- When the standard takes effect and how it will be applied. None of the reports gives an effective date or details on how it will be implemented.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Yicai reports the release of the national standard for accessible taxi services. [ 1 ]
- CLS carries a short report on the standard. [ 2 ]
- Jiemian publishes the full set of requirements, and 36Kr runs a summary credited to Jiemian. [ 3 , 4 ]
- IT Home reports that the regulator announced the standard on October 9. [ 5 ]