(Yicai Global) Aug. 31 -- Shenzhen, which is hailed as China's answer to Silicon Valley, has introduced next-generation taxis with built-in facial recognition and electronic payment features.

Yesterday, the Shenzhen Public Transport Administration started piloting 12 innovative cabs with a new meter system developed using the latest artificial intelligence and electronic technologies, featuring facial recognition, driver authentication, customer review and e-payment systems, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The technologies were installed in BYD e6 taxis and include an e-payment device and dual high-definition cameras. The dual HD cameras record activities outside and inside the vehicle and support facial recognition to prevent overloading and unauthorized drivers from operating the car.

The new meter system is more accurate and tamper-proof than traditional ones, a public transport official said.

Passengers can scan a QR code to access the transport administration's WeChat account. The system can send trip details to customers' smartphones.

After a journey is complete, the system automatically generates an electronic receipt showing its duration and the distance traveled. The customer can comment on the service and pay the fare using Alipay, WeChat Pay, a bankcard or a Shenzhen public transportation card.

In the event of a change in taxi fare, the intelligent metering system can electronically update calculation parameters for all the vehicles in a single day with.