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Image Source : China Visual

BEIJING, August 23 (TMTPOST) -- On Monday, China"s Ministry of Transport summoned 11 ride-hailing Internet platforms including Didi Global, T3 Travel and Cao Cao Travel to require them to correct their operations in responding to legitimate issues. This was the first time for the regulator to require the platforms to take the responsibility of "early compensation" when handling a road accident or other disputes..

The taxi services aggregation platform provides services for users and online taxi platforms. In the platform, multiple online car companies can provide services and passengers can have more prices and cars to choose from.

The issues include infringement of the legitimate rights and interests of employees and passengers, as well as hidden security risks. It was the latest government efforts to protect the rights of consumers while building a healthy and sustainable environment for the sector.

The regulatory authorities found those problems through various means, including industrial monitoring, calls and letters from the public and media reports after reviewing industry reports.

The ride-hailing platforms were asked to thoroughly investigate and resolve potential risks, improve the openness and transparency of their businesses and enhance customer service while safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of employees, the regulator said.

In November 2019, Chinese regulators inquired about eight car ride-hailing platforms and proposed to define the responsibilities of the aggregation platforms. The inquiry this time added that it was needed to strengthen the gate-keeping work of platform company operating qualifications, urged the platforms to audit qualifications of the vehicle and driver strictly, and to jointly safeguard the safety and resolve passenger complaints.

In November 2020, the China Taxi Cab & Livery Association and aggregation platforms such as AutoNavi, Ctrip and Hellobike jointly issued the "Joint Initiative of Aggregation Platforms", mentioning the responsibility of "earlier compensation first".

In addition to the new requirements for the aggregation platforms and car-riding companies. Operators must strictly follow industry rules, strengthen the management of drivers and vehicles and prevent loopholes in operations, the regulator said.