What are the impacts of private cars joining ride-hailing services?
4 Answers
When taking orders for DiDi, car insurance claims may be rejected. Below is relevant information about ride-hailing services: 1. Definition of ride-hailing services: Ride-hailing, short for online car-hailing services, refers to business activities that utilize internet technology to build service platforms, integrate eligible vehicles and drivers, and provide non-cruising taxi services by matching supply and demand information. 2. Passenger safety in ride-hailing services: On May 24, 2018, the Deputy Director of the Transport Service Department of the Ministry of Transport stated that the Ministry is closely monitoring the ride-hailing market. To effectively ensure passenger safety, three key tasks must be prioritized: strengthening pre-entry screening; implementing the primary responsibility of platform companies as carriers; and enhancing in-process and post-event supervision.
I usually drive my private car for ride-hailing to earn some extra income, which feels quite economical. On one hand, it helps to make some pocket money and support the family budget—sometimes making around a hundred bucks a day, which adds up nicely. However, the wear and tear on the car has increased significantly. I used to service it once a month, but now I have to check the oil and tires every two weeks because they wear out much faster. Fuel expenses have also risen sharply, and during peak hours, traffic jams are frequent, wasting both time and gas. The most annoying part is the insurance—regular coverage isn’t enough, so I had to add commercial insurance, which nearly doubled the premium. Overall, the upside is better vehicle utilization, but the downside includes back pain from long hours of driving and the added stress of staying alert to road conditions, which lowers safety. I’d advise anyone considering this to do the math first—don’t jump in blindly. Choosing the right time slots to avoid traffic makes it more cost-effective.
Over the past few years, I've helped many ride-hailing drivers with car repairs and found that private cars joining this industry face significant maintenance challenges. Engine and brake pad wear occur at an alarming rate, while frequent starts and stops accelerate component aging. Tires typically need replacement every six months, whereas they used to last a full year without issues. Cooling systems are also prone to problems, with fluid leaks being common during summer heat. I recommend owners pay extra attention to chassis inspections and not wait until strange noises appear before fixing issues. The lubrication system requires even more frequent maintenance—changing the oil every two months helps prevent carbon buildup. Long-term operation leads to substantial repair costs and impacts vehicle lifespan, but proper scheduling can save some money. Everyone should monitor their car's condition closely and address problems promptly to avoid expensive major repairs.
From an environmental perspective, using private cars for ride-hailing services significantly increases emissions. More frequent and faster driving leads to heightened tailpipe pollution, especially in congested urban areas where high fuel consumption results in greater carbon emissions, which is unfriendly to the environment. However, there is a positive aspect: if shared mobility reduces the need for others to purchase new cars, the overall carbon footprint may decrease slightly. The issue is that traffic congestion becomes harder to resolve, and longer travel times may further diminish air quality. I believe people should prioritize choosing electric or hybrid vehicles for greener options, while also planning routes to avoid unnecessary trips, which can help alleviate environmental pressure.
