Ride-hailing services are prohibited from soliciting passengers and operating in the Pudong Airport area. What information is worth noting?

Is it so bad to consider practical human needs?

I’m landing after 11 PM, and considering taxiing, luggage collection, it’s likely past midnight. How am I supposed to get back to Songjiang or Qingpu at that hour? You could at least operate overnight airport buses to the main urban areas of each district, I’d accept even if there’s only one per hour.

Ridesharing apps could save a lot of money, but you insist on making me spend 200-300 on a taxi. Aren’t you afraid that the money earned from this monopoly will all be spent in the ICU?

I have a somewhat unusual idea:

I wonder who would be willing to give it a try to see if it works. Since taxi drivers can’t refuse passengers, we can hail a cab, buckle up immediately after getting in, and then tell the driver our destination. If the driver seems reluctant, just pretend you didn’t hear and start playing Genshin Impact. We’ll pay the starting fare once we’re out of the Pudong Airport area, get off, and then hail a Didi.

Since the idea is to give taxi drivers a bit more business, why not do it by paying them multiple starting fares as a gesture.

Yesterday afternoon, I returned to Shanghai and landed in Pudong.

Around 3 PM, I used Meituan to order a ride back home.

In the evening, I found out that you can’t book a ride-sharing car in the Pudong Airport area anymore.

I discussed with my wife about what to do.

I suggested that I could take the subway for two stops and then book a ride-sharing car.

My wife pointed out that we had big and small bags, luggage, and a child with us, making it inconvenient to take the subway.

So, I suggested that they wait at the airport, and I would take the subway alone to book a ride-sharing car to the airport, pick them up, and then modify the destination to go home.

Can you believe they even banned ride-sharing cars from going to the airport?

Steamed buns? You don’t agree?

Are you also grabbing, and he is also grabbing?

Commissioner Geng, how can he still monopolize?

And do you think Commissioner Geng is just in it for the money? Master Geng can’t bear to see the poor people suffer.

Setting artificial barriers for profit transfer, harming consumer rights, is despicable.

The leader went to the airport, and damn, it was really congested. It was full of low-end commercial vehicles emitting a foul odor.

Back at the office, when it comes to Shanghai Pudong Airport, I have the final say. I immediately prohibited these stinking paupers from coming to Pudong, and even provided the coordinates.

I can only say that this isn’t forceful enough. We need to immediately collaborate with the traffic police for joint enforcement to implement the directive and put an end to these wretched paupers.

Can you understand Shanghai better than Chen Yun?

Due to the pandemic, JD.com is not allowed to enter, claiming that the vegetables in Northeast China are of poor quality. The brighter, the darker!

Fortunately, I don’t take a plane to Shanghai Airport.

When I go out, I mainly use ride-hailing, subway, and airport shuttle services.

In any case, I will not take a taxi.

Strongly opposed, people like me who rely on wheelchairs to go out prefer ride-sharing services that are available on-demand.

Impact of Ride-Sharing on Taxi Services in Shanghai

The main reason is that in recent years, ride-sharing services have had a significant impact on traditional taxi services.

I’m used to using Didi, starting with the premium car service, then the luxury option, and finally, a regular taxi. Premium car services excel in terms of vehicle quality, cleanliness, and even the attire of the drivers. They also provide assistance with luggage, and the cars always have tissues and bottled water.

Interestingly, the price difference is not substantial. As a result, ride-sharing services have taken away a considerable share of the taxi market.

Originally, there were two lucrative strongholds for making money: airports and high-speed train stations, which were exclusive to traditional taxis. However, ride-sharing drivers quickly found a way around this by paying parking fees to park at airports and then accepting platform orders. As a result, the average waiting time for passengers was even lower than that of taxis waiting in line. Furthermore, ride-sharing services allow for advanced bookings, so drivers can arrive at the airport just in time to pick up passengers as their flights land.

Essentially, traditional taxis have been heavily impacted by ride-sharing services.

As for why taxi drivers don’t wait at parking lots for platform orders, it’s not because they are unwilling, but because there are no orders. Passengers who are willing to spend a bit more can simply use Didi (premium or luxury options). If they want to take a taxi, they can exit the airport and head to the designated taxi area without needing to use Didi. Therefore, taxis waiting at parking lots cannot receive platform orders.

Moreover, the taxi companies in Shanghai, including well-established ones like Dazhong and Qiangsheng, are mostly state-owned, and their drivers are mainly native Shanghai residents. In recent years, they have suffered significant financial losses and have been under various pressures, so the introduction of policies like the one in Pudong can be understood in this context.

Insight: Traditional Taxis vs. Ride-Sharing Services

Fun Fact: We often see taxis lined up at airports, train stations, hotels, and other places, and these taxis rely on “flagging down” passengers!

The key issue here is that this “flagging down” isn’t without its costs. Some drivers need to pay “management fees” to the authorities responsible for these areas, while others need to share their earnings.

But ride-sharing services are different!

When you use a platform, the driver typically picks up the customer and leaves without the need to “flag down” passengers, naturally avoiding these additional expenses.

So, some say, “Take people’s money and relieve them of their worries.”

Of course, I’m not implying that the entities mentioned in the title engage in such practices; I’m merely describing the phenomenon.

Here’s the question: Are passenger rights more important, or is giving “gifts” (payments) more important?

That’s the answer to the question!

Finally, I must say that the traditional taxi industry will inevitably be phased out if it doesn’t change. Remember the past when taking a taxi? Drivers had varying levels of professionalism. Some would take you on longer routes intentionally, some kept their vacant signs on, and some refused fares. At that time, many taxis had issues.

Now, with ride-sharing services, it’s much more convenient. There are map prompts, drivers don’t take longer routes, platforms usually have recordings, and customer service can help in case of disputes. Refusals or bad attitudes are rare. It’s significantly better than traditional taxis.

The above represents personal opinions and is for reference only.

Shanghai Bans Ride-Sharing Services at Pudong Airport: Controversy and Legal Issues

Insight: We often see taxis lined up at airports, train stations, hotels, etc., but did you know these taxis rely on “flagging down” passengers?

Recent news about the “Ban on Ride-Sharing Services Operating at Pudong Airport” has stirred up discussions. The Shanghai Municipal Transportation Bureau has confirmed the authenticity of the “Notice on Prohibiting Ride-Sharing Services from Operating at Pudong Airport.” This has sparked debates among netizens, with some supporting the ban as reasonable and others considering it a step backward. Lawyers have also raised concerns about the potential harm to public interests and the legality of selective enforcement and punitive measures in the notice.

1

Shanghai Municipal Transport Bureau Issues Notice Prohibiting Ride-Sharing Services at Pudong Airport

On January 30th, a notice titled “Notice on Prohibiting Ride-Sharing Services from Operating at Pudong Airport” generated discussions among netizens.

According to the notice, to ensure smooth and orderly land transportation at Pudong Airport, especially during the Spring Festival travel rush, and in accordance with “Several Regulations on the Operation of Internet-Based Ride-Hailing Services in Shanghai,” the following requirements are strictly enforced:

1. Ride-sharing platforms are strictly prohibited from publishing pick-up information related to Pudong Airport and its bordering roads (see specific areas in the attached document).
2. Ride-sharing platforms must effectively manage drivers and prohibit them from soliciting passengers within the Pudong Airport area.
3. Traffic enforcement authorities will enhance law enforcement in this area, imposing penalties when violations are detected.
4. Platform companies that violate the rules by publishing pick-up information in the designated area, fail to rectify, or exhibit severe violations, will face joint measures for suspension of internet services in the city, in collaboration with communication management authorities.

It is reported that this notice has been issued to major ride-sharing platforms in Shanghai.

This notice is a reaffirmation of the “Several Regulations on the Operation of Internet-Based Ride-Hailing Services in Shanghai” introduced in 2016. These regulations explicitly state that ride-sharing platforms are not allowed to publish pick-up information within areas of airports, train stations, or taxi stands. Ride-sharing drivers are also prohibited from soliciting passengers in these areas.

2

Official Confirmation: “Notice” Valid, Didi and Amap No Longer Accept Bookings

On January 31, it was confirmed by the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Bureau that the “Notice” is valid.

Around 8:30 PM on January 31, when a reporter opened the Didi Chuxing app to request a ride from Shanghai Pudong Airport T2 Terminal to Jing’an District, the app displayed a booking failure message. The message explained that, to comply with Shanghai’s regulations and ensure the orderly flow of traffic around Pudong Airport and its vicinity during the Spring Festival, ride-sharing services were temporarily suspended at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Passengers arriving at Pudong Airport were advised to use other transportation options, and the inconvenience was regretted.

At around 8:49 PM, when the reporter attempted to book a ride from Pudong Airport T1 Terminal to Jing’an District, the booking also failed.

Around 9:15 PM, when the reporter opened the Amap app and attempted to book a ride from Pudong Airport Terminal 1, the app was unable to locate the pickup location in the Pudong Airport area. The message indicated that, per the relevant authorities' request, ride-hailing information couldn’t be released in the current area, and passengers were advised to proceed to designated pickup points.

3

Netizens Engage in Heated Debates: Supporters and Opponents

The news of “Ride-Sharing Services Being Banned at Pudong Airport” quickly sparked online discussions.

Many netizens expressed their confusion and regarded it as a step backward.

However, some netizens supported the airport’s decision, believing that ride-sharing services had disrupted the normal operation of the airport’s transportation system:

Furthermore, some netizens suggested alternative ways to “indirectly hail a ride”:

4

Legal Expert: “Notice” May Harm Public Interests and Violate Selective Enforcement and Penalties

In addition to public debates, legal professionals have analyzed the situation.

Legal media outlet “You Yunting Internet Law Commentary” by Derrick Zhang, a senior partner at Shanghai DaBang Law Firm, points out several issues:

1. The “Notice” may harm public interests. The regulation significantly reduces the supply of ride-sharing services at Pudong Airport, leading to increased waiting times for taxi passengers. Taxi fares are generally higher than most ride-sharing options, potentially increasing travel costs for many passengers.
2. The regulation may violate laws and administrative regulations. The “Notice” and related higher-level regulations that restrict or prohibit ride-sharing services at airports and train stations may potentially violate the Anti-Monopoly Law, disrupt fair competition in the market, and limit competition among ride-sharing platforms.
3. The enforcement of the “Notice” appears selective and may violate administrative regulations. If the higher-level regulations have prohibited ride-sharing platforms from picking up passengers at airports and train stations for over six years, why is the “Notice” now selectively enforced only at Pudong Airport? The “Notice” also contains penalties for ride-sharing platforms that violate it, but it does not specify that the road administration authority has the right to suspend internet services in the city in collaboration with communication management authorities.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to leave your comments!

Source: The Paper, Metropolitan Express, Dongfang Net, Shanghai TV “News Perspective,” Mo Du Yan, You Yunting Internet Law Commentary

Sohu “Fox View” Shanghai Bans Ride-Sharing Services at Pudong Airport: Controversy and Legal Issues

One old news.

Shanghai is indeed the most international city in our country.

Today it’s Pudong Airport that doesn’t allow passenger pick-ups, tomorrow it could be Hongqiao Airport, and further down the line, even train stations and bus terminals might not allow it… Looking forward to the day when Nanjing East Road and Wujiaochang are also restricted.

Don’t say it’s a slippery slope fallacy; I remember when you needed a nucleic acid test to travel by plane or high-speed train. Then it became mandatory for travelers to show a negative test within 15 days, then 7 days, and finally, it evolved to the point where you can’t even enter your own residential area without a test result within 24 hours.

It’s a bit funny, but…

Last year, I spent a few days in Shanghai, and my impression of this metropolis is that it is both advanced and backward.

As for the advanced aspects, there’s no need to mention it. On the backward side, for example, many of their taxis are still using gasoline-powered vehicles. I was surprised by this at the time, wondering if they can make a profit with these vehicles?

However, I immediately thought that taking a taxi in Shanghai must be very expensive, so expensive that you can even ignore the cost of gasoline.

But I didn’t take one; I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I used ride-sharing services when going out.