Ying Weiwen, a taxi driver from Taizhou, is honored as an outstanding Party member. [Photo/The official news website of Taizhou]

Ying Weiwen, a taxi driver from Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, was recognized as an outstanding Party member in Beijing on July 1, in recognition of nearly three decades of safe driving and long-term volunteer service to the local community.

Ying, who has worked as a taxi driver since 1998, has driven more than 1.5 million kilometers without a major accident. Over the years, he has become known not only for his professional record but also for helping elderly passengers, assisting injured people, and providing free transportation for students taking the national college entrance examination.

Inspired by his father's generosity from an early age, Ying said helping others gradually became part of his daily work. He recalled that an early donation to a patient struggling with medical expenses made him realize that even a small act of kindness could have a lasting impact on someone's life.

Ying founded a volunteer taxi team in 2000 to provide free transportation for students during the annual college entrance examination. The initiative has expanded from seven vehicles to 50 and has served more than 3,000 students over the past 26 years. Despite receiving national recognition, Ying said his workplace is still behind the steering wheel, where he hopes to continue serving passengers and the community.