Didi upgrades panic button and adds audio recording after riders killed–CNN
What happened: Starting this Saturday, Didi will suspend seven late-night services for a week as it implements additional safety measures. Upgrades include an improved emergency button that allows users to instantly call the police, a new function that will record audio on Express and Premier trips, more background checks, and a mandatory daily “safety knowledge test” for drivers. The measures follow widespread public anger over two passenger murders in the last four months and arrive just in time as Chinese authorities begin their inspections of ride-sharing companies today.
Why it’s important: Didi has been on the scramble to make up for a significant drop in public trust following the two high-profile murders, as well as a string of sexual assaults that have taken place in recent years. Following a public apology from company founders last week, this appears to be the ride-hailing giant’s latest attempt to appease angry users.
Correction, Sept 1: This post originally stated that Didi suspended services beginning last Saturday.