The 100 taxis in Dalian are operated by a local subsidiary of automobile company Geely Holding Group. All drivers have been trained to provide appropriated services to passengers, who can make an appointment via car-hailing app. Alternatively, they can wave a black cab over if one happens to pass by.

The new taxis are part of a project of the local government designed to improve residents' livelihoods, said Wang Shaocheng, head of Dalian's transportation bureau.

The city will continue to accelerate the upgrade and renewal of new-energy and clean-energy vehicles, as well as continue to facilitate and improve the quality of public travel, he said.