China's transport ministry has formally summoned the ride-hailing service operated by Alibaba-owned Amap to address concerns about its management and pricing policies, according to an official statement released by the ministry.
At the meeting, regulators urged the company to do more to protect the rights and interests of its drivers. The ministry specifically instructed Amap to "implement the public commitment to reduce commission fees and ensure reasonable income for drivers," language that appears in the ministry's statement outlining the required corrective steps.
Authorities also called on Amap to strengthen its safety measures and increase oversight of its operations. The ministry's direction emphasized both driver compensation in the form of reduced commissions and operational controls intended to improve safety and regulatory compliance.
Responding to the summons, Amap pledged to "strictly implement requirements set out in the meeting" and to take action to resolve problems tied to compliance, market order and drivers' interests. The company framed its response as a commitment to follow the regulator's instructions and to address the specific areas identified during the meeting.
The government intervention is presented by officials as part of a broader effort to impose greater regulatory discipline on digital platforms and to ensure fair treatment of gig workers in the transportation sector. The ministry's action sought both immediate adjustments - such as reductions in commission fees - and ongoing improvements in oversight and safety.
Summary and implications
The transport ministry's intervention focused on two principal demands: an explicit reduction in commission fees to protect driver income and enhanced safety and compliance oversight. Amap has committed to executing the steps discussed at the meeting.
Key details quoted from the official record
- Regulators instructed Amap to "implement the public commitment to reduce commission fees and ensure reasonable income for drivers."
- Authorities urged the company to strengthen safety measures and oversight.
- Amap vowed to "strictly implement requirements set out in the meeting" to address compliance, market order and drivers' interests.
The record indicates the action is intended to protect gig workers in the transport industry while reinforcing a market order that regulators consider appropriate. Beyond the immediate directives, the ministry framed this intervention as consistent with wider regulatory priorities concerning digital platforms and worker protections in the transportation sector.