为什么禁止网约车“一口价”既伤乘客，也伤司机？

Core Viewpoint - The recent ban on "fixed price" and "discount orders" for ride-hailing services in Xi'an aims to address complaints from taxi drivers about unfair competition and to protect their rights, but it may have negative implications for both passengers and drivers [1][2][11][26]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - Xi'an's transportation authority has mandated a complete suspension of low-price marketing activities starting from August 19, 2023, due to complaints from taxi drivers about unfair competition [1][2]. - Other cities, including Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Henan, and Guangdong, have also taken steps to curb low-price competition in the ride-hailing market [2]. - Xi'an's high density of ride-hailing drivers positions it as a potential trendsetter for similar regulatory actions in other regions [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The ride-hailing market has seen significant price reductions, which have attracted more passengers, indicating that lower prices can lead to market expansion rather than "involution" [6][11][20]. - The existence of various pricing options in ride-hailing apps provides consumers with a wide range of choices, which was not available in traditional taxi services [9][12]. - The decline in ride-hailing prices is a key factor in the increasing number of users, suggesting that banning low-price options could harm overall demand [10][11]. Group 3: Driver Perspectives - There is a divide among drivers regarding "fixed price" orders; while some dislike them, many part-time drivers appreciate the volume of orders they provide [15][16]. - A full-time driver highlighted that the income of ride-hailing drivers is influenced more by the overall market demand than by individual pricing strategies [17]. - The argument against banning "fixed price" orders is that it could lead to reduced demand and fewer rides, ultimately harming drivers' earnings [13][15][26]. Group 4: Regulatory Implications - The current regulatory approach may be outdated, treating the ride-hailing market as an extension of the traditional taxi system, which overlooks the unique dynamics of the platform economy [19][20]. - The efficiency of "fixed price" orders benefits both passengers and drivers by reducing disputes and optimizing service delivery [24]. - A shift in regulatory thinking is necessary to better align with the realities of the ride-hailing market and to avoid unintended consequences from blanket bans on pricing strategies [26].