Core Insights - The article discusses the shift in the delivery industry regarding the cancellation of late delivery penalties for riders, with platforms like Ele.me and Meituan leading the change [1][4]. Group 1: Company Initiatives - Ele.me is piloting the cancellation of late delivery penalties in cities such as Nantong, Changzhou, Jieyang, and Jingdezhen, with plans to expand to more cities in October [1][2]. - Meituan is also reforming its late delivery management system, initially testing in Quanzhou, and aims to implement a nationwide "no penalty for late delivery" policy by the end of 2025 [1][3]. - Both companies are replacing monetary penalties with a service points system, where riders can earn or lose points based on their delivery performance [2][3]. Group 2: Rider Perspectives - Riders express that the new system reduces their anxiety about penalties, allowing them to focus on timely deliveries without the fear of financial loss [3][4]. - The service points system incentivizes riders to maintain high service levels, as higher points correlate with better earnings [2][4]. - Riders believe that the cancellation of late penalties will not negatively impact delivery efficiency, as they remain motivated to complete deliveries promptly [3][4]. Group 3: Consumer Concerns - Consumers are concerned that the cancellation of late delivery penalties may lead to longer wait times for their orders, especially during peak periods [2][4]. - The platforms are tasked with balancing rider rights and consumer experience to ensure that service quality remains high despite the changes [4][5]. Group 4: Industry Implications - The changes in penalty structures are seen as a move towards a more balanced ecosystem that considers the needs of riders, consumers, and platforms [5]. - Experts suggest that the adjustments could lead to a safer and more responsible operation within the food delivery industry, promoting collaboration among all stakeholders [5].