破“内卷”困局 网约车行业开启“深调整”

Core Insights - The ride-hailing industry is facing significant challenges, including poor driver-passenger experiences, high commission rates, and increasing competition leading to a vicious cycle of low earnings for drivers and high costs for passengers [1][2][4] Industry Overview - Complaints from consumers about ride-hailing services have surged, highlighting issues such as poor vehicle conditions, lack of air conditioning, and driver fatigue [1] - The number of ride-hailing vehicles in China increased from 2.792 million to 3.206 million in 2024, while the number of licensed drivers rose from 6.572 million to 7.483 million, indicating a saturated market [2] Financial Dynamics - The average hourly income for ride-hailing drivers in 2024 was 27 yuan, a decrease of approximately 12.9% from 31 yuan in 2023, reflecting the financial strain on drivers [2] - High commission rates imposed by platforms are a significant factor contributing to the low profitability for drivers, with many working long hours to make ends meet [1][2] Regulatory Responses - Various local governments have issued warnings about the risks in the ride-hailing market and have temporarily halted the issuance of operating licenses in some cities [3] - Ride-hailing platforms are beginning to lower their commission rates, with T3 Mobility capping its commission at a maximum of 27% and other platforms following suit to share more revenue with drivers [3][5] Market Competition - The introduction of fixed-price and promotional orders has led to increased working hours for drivers, exacerbating the competition and reducing overall income [2][6] - The "one-price" and "promotional orders" models are under scrutiny, with new regulations aimed at curbing these practices to restore fair competition in the market [6][7] Future Outlook - Industry experts suggest that ride-hailing platforms need to explore new growth avenues, such as international markets or niche travel segments, to escape the reliance on domestic market competition [4] - The recent regulatory actions against low-price competition may set a precedent for broader platform economy regulations, emphasizing the need for companies to focus on service quality and innovation rather than price wars [8]