Briefing: Didi and Meituan slash nearly 200,000 vehicles that fail to meet standards
滴滴美团称在南京已清退近20万辆违规网约车 – Xinhua
What happened: According to figures provided to the Nanjing authorities, Didi Chuxing and Meituan Dianping reportedly have removed 161,151 and 38,000 vehicles, respectively, from their fleets. The two ride-hailing platforms combined have removed nearly 200,000 vehicles that fail to meet standards.
The Nanjing authorities have increased supervision of 7 ride-hailing firms operating in the city earlier this month. Both companies have agreed to remove all non-compliant vehicles in Nanjing before October 18.
Why it’s important: China’s ride-hailing industry has been under great pressure to revamp its operations after the deaths of two Didi Hitch passengers. In an effort to ensure safety, the transport ministry announced early September that it would conduct checks on ride-hailing companies and work with the police to remove vehicles and drivers that fail to meet standards by the end of the year. Meituan Dianping started piloting its ride-hailing service in Nanjing earlier this year but announced last month that it would halt its expansion into ride-hailing due to the ongoing passenger safety crisis.