The city of Changchun, in Jilin province has seen an increase in the number of people, both poor and not-poor, providing driver service, according to a local website report, which explained that new Apps, such as one called Didikuaiche, allow drivers to do part-time "taxi" work and allow customers to call for a "private taxi" through a smartphone.

There are other advantages as well for example cheaper fares, greater convenience, and more personalized service – and they give the driver a part-time job. They also give drivers a chance to meet more people, one of the main reasons for their popularity in Changchun and elsewhere in China.

One of these "gypsy" drivers is a man, alias Chen Yu, an engineer who joined the group of Changchun part-times with his Audi and explains his motive by saying, "I started doing it out of curiosity then gradually found myself relying on it more and have made a lot of friends that way," then adds, "Sometimes we drivers get together and organize interesting activities in our spare time."

A man, alias Cheng Lei, who is 38, has a completely different, and more serious, reason for joining the group. He explains that he used to spend all his time drinking and playing mahjong, but then decided to become a "designated driver", as adds, "Now I’ve kicked the habit and am much healthier."

Chen sits in his car, waiting for business. [Photo by Shi Lei/xwh.cn]

Cheng sis in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), receving calls from his customers. [Photo by Shi Lei/xwh.cn]

Nonetheless, the part-time driving can have its odd moments, or as Chen recalls, "I happened to get a customer who was someone I knew and it embarrassed me," then notes that it's becoming easier to deal with, and says, "I'm more convinced that taking a part-time job is not shameful and I even greet friends as a 'customer' and sometimes offer them a free ride."

Chen says he plans to stick to the job, and "The job provides a lot of freedom and I can continue my driving business just by opening the App anytime I like."