A special multi-department inspection group for ride-hailing security will soon investigate more mobile application taxi firms, following the completion of an on-site inspection of market leader Didi Chuxing, according to a statement by the Ministry of Transport issued on Tuesday.
An on-site inspection of Didi Chuxing's operations by the special group was carried out from September 5 to September 9, and China's authorities are now finalizing a report on their findings.
The security investigation will be followed by seven additional ride-hailing and ride-hitching internet services, including Meituan Chuxing, operated by internet services firm Meituan Dianping, Baidu-backed Shouqi Limousine and Gaode, owned by Alibaba Group.
Competing ride-hailing apps have been encroaching on Didi's market share for some time, often betting on superior services.
"I used Shenzhou Zhuanche [a competing ride-hailing app] on a rainy day in Beijing, as I couldn't find any Didi cars. The price was double Didi's, but [the service] was very punctual. It was quite good and was worth it even at double the price," a 20-something Beijing resident surnamed Zhang told the Global Times on Tuesday.
"I once called a Shouqi limousine, as the waiting time for Didi was too long. The cars are all the same model, and it felt very safe and professional," another Beijing resident told the Global Times.
