Cai Jing Wang·2025-10-22 05:56Core Viewpoint - The major food delivery platforms in China, including JD.com, Ele.me, and Meituan, are shifting from a punitive model of managing delivery riders to a positive incentive system, which is expected to enhance rider safety and promote sustainable industry development [1][2][3]. Group 1: Policy Changes - JD.com has initiated trials in 25 cities to eliminate penalties for late deliveries, replacing them with a "service score" system that incentivizes timely service rather than punishing delays [2][3]. - Ele.me is also implementing a similar service score system in various cities, with plans to expand this model by October [2][3]. - Meituan plans to completely abolish late delivery penalties by the end of 2025, having already tested a scoring system in Quanzhou [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The shift in policy aligns with the draft regulations from the State Administration for Market Regulation, which discourages the use of financial penalties for late deliveries and emphasizes the protection of delivery workers' rights [3][4]. - The change is driven by increased public concern over the working conditions of delivery riders, regulatory requirements, and the platforms' need for sustainable growth [3][5]. Group 3: Safety and Efficiency - The previous penalty system has been linked to a rise in traffic violations among delivery riders, with over 20,000 infractions reported in a single week in March 2025 [4]. - The new incentive-based approach aims to reduce the pressure on riders, thereby improving safety and overall delivery efficiency [4][5]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The transition from punitive measures to positive incentives is seen as a critical step towards reducing industry "involution" and fostering a more balanced ecosystem for all stakeholders [5][6]. - Ongoing challenges include balancing consumer expectations for timely deliveries with the complexities of riders' working conditions, as well as ensuring that the new scoring system does not become merely a rebranding of the old penalty system [6][7].