滴滴消失的第一夜:出租车漫天要价,强行拼车拒载,黑车暴增–AI财经社

What happened: Starting from September 8th, China’s most popular ride-hailing app suspended seven late-night services for a week as it implements new passenger safety measures. Not surprisingly, the temporary suspension led to a surge in taxis and illicit “black cabs” trying to make up the difference. This past weekend in Beijing’s busy Sanlitun neighborhood, taxis were hard to come by and other ride-hailing apps faltered under the large volume of passengers. Social media users in other cities also complained of price-jacking, sometimes to three or four times the normal fare.

Why it’s important: Despite public backlash over the deaths of two passengers this year, Didi remains the country’s biggest ride-hailing company. Its popularity has also helped to supplant or counter phenomena like black cabs and unscrupulous taxi drivers, making life easier for city dwellers. Much as non-Chinese consumers were unsure if they could drop Facebook following the data breach scandal, PRC residents may now be wondering if they’re ready to live in a world without Didi, or another ride-hailing equivalent.

Bailey Hu

Bailey Hu is based in China’s hardware capital, Shenzhen. Her interests include local maker culture, grassroots innovation and how tech shapes society, as well as vice versa.

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