DiDI Chuxing is one of the worlds largest ride-sharing platforms. The China-based company will launch DiDi Express in Melbourne on 25 June.
DiDI Chuxing is a mobile transportation platform. It offers a full range of app-based transportation options for 550 million users.
Services include Taxi, Express, Premier, Luxe, Hitch, Bus, Minibus, Designated Driving, Enterprise Solutions, Bike, and food delivery. Daily rides have reached 30 million. This allows over 21 million drivers to find flexible work and income opportunities.
The company works with a growing alliance of car industry players to build out an auto-solution and operation platform. It is in a partnership network with Grab, Lyft, Ola, Uber, 99, Taxify, and Careem. This reaches over 80% of the world’s population and covers more than 1,000 cities
Apple has invested U.S. 4.5 billion in the company. This is its first foray in an English-speaking market.
DiDI Express (website here) starts in Melbourne on 25 June
Riders can download the app today and will be able to receive 50% off their DiDi Express ride from June 25 until the end of July. Riders will receive a 50% discount. (Capped at a maximum of $10 per trip and two trips per day).
The DiDi App features comprehensive safety features such as privacy numbers, itinerary sharing for riders and strict driver vetting processes. As DiDi grows in Australia, it will introduce additional product features that will further improve its efficiency, safety and reliability.
Drivers have a flat and transparent commission rate of 20% in addition to introductory cash bonuses for completing 20 trips with DiDi.
DiDi has opened a driver hub in Tullamarine to onboard and prepare drivers for the upcoming Melbourne launch. Interested drivers are encouraged to download the DiDi Driver app today or visit the driver hub for more information.
DiDi Chuxing will launch of DiDi Express in other Australian cities.
GadgetGuy’s take – competition is healthy
Uber got here first, made all the mistakes and newcomers like Ola and DiDi Express have learned from it.
The alternatives include
- OLAÂ (the majority of drivers work for multiple ride-share companies)
- Shebah (only for women using a network of female drivers)
- GoCatch (originally for Taxis and no surge pricing)
- Taxify
- Uber
- Numerous private car ‘limo’ services that are worth building a relationship with your personal driver.
- Add to this the car-pool and car-share apps as well.
All enabled by apps.
