Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing concerns regarding the rights and interests of ride-hailing drivers, particularly focusing on the "fixed-price" model and its implications for both consumers and drivers [2][3]. Group 1: Fixed-Price Model - The "fixed-price" model, which contrasts with dynamic pricing, provides consumers with certainty regarding the fare after they input their trip details, making it popular among riders [4]. - However, drivers have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the "fixed-price" model, as it often results in lower earnings due to fixed fares that do not account for variations in time, distance, and traffic conditions [4][10]. - In non-first-tier cities, the low average fare under the "fixed-price" model has led to stronger resistance from drivers, who feel that their income is insufficient [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - Regulatory bodies across various regions have begun to implement measures to standardize the management of "fixed-price" orders, with a focus on preventing price deception and malicious underpricing [5]. - For instance, the Chongqing Transportation Committee has mandated that platforms report any new "fixed-price" or promotional activities to relevant authorities, while also initiating a cleanup of existing low-price promotions [5]. - In August, the Xi'an Transportation Bureau announced a complete suspension of "fixed-price" and promotional pricing activities, emphasizing the prohibition of any form of price fraud [5]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The ride-hailing market is transitioning from an incremental growth phase to a saturated market, with a reported user base of 511 million as of June 2025, reflecting only a 1.7% increase from the previous year [11]. - The oversaturation of ride-hailing capacity has led to a significant increase in empty vehicle rates, with some cities reporting an empty rate of 53% [11]. - The competition among platforms has intensified, leading to a reduction in subsidies and incentives for drivers as platforms no longer need to attract drivers aggressively [12]. Group 4: Industry Challenges - The article highlights that the low-price competition in the ride-hailing industry is exacerbated by several factors, including the homogeneity of services among platforms and the reliance on pricing as a primary competitive strategy [13]. - Drivers have reported that "fixed-price" orders often yield lower fares compared to dynamic pricing, with examples showing a 20-kilometer trip costing around 23-28 yuan under the "fixed-price" model, while dynamic pricing could reach up to 40 yuan during peak hours [11][10]. - The article suggests that eliminating the "fixed-price" model may lead to short-term increases in travel costs and reduced order volumes, but could ultimately shift the industry focus from price competition to service quality [14].
多地叫停网约车“一口价”
第一财经·2025-11-29 01:57