On May 28th, in response to two recent disputes between Didi drivers and passengers in Jilin and Daqing over bringing pets into the car, Didi Chuxing officially addressed the issue.
Didi Chuxing stated in their announcement:
The first dispute occurred around 19:40 on May 23rd in Jilin City, where two passengers brought a pet dog into the car. According to in-car recordings and videos on short video platforms, there was no communication between the driver and passengers regarding the pet before they met. Upon arrival at the pickup point, the driver noticed the passengers with the pet dog, refused to let them ride, asked them to cancel the trip, but the passengers attempted to force their way into the car.
The second dispute happened around 22:00 on May 25th in Daqing City, where two passengers brought a pet dog into the car. Based on in-car recordings and content from short video platforms, the driver instructed the passengers not to place the dog on the seat. The passengers, however, held the dog, insulted the driver, leading to a dispute between the driver and passengers. After the driver got off the car, the passengers verbally abused and physically assaulted the driver. Both parties have reported the incident to the police, and the authorities are currently investigating. The platform is actively cooperating with the police investigation.
According to the platform's existing rules, Didi Chuxing has reminded and advised the passengers involved in both incidents. In the Daqing dispute, due to the passengers' uncivilized and disrespectful behavior of insulting and assaulting the driver, the platform has refused to provide service to the passengers for 22 days in accordance with the platform's safety rules.
Regarding the behavior of the drivers who recorded and shared videos of the two disputes, the platform has conducted educational communication with the drivers.
Furthermore, Didi Chuxing appreciates the restraint shown by the two drivers in handling the disputes as rationally as possible. The platform has provided the drivers with a "comfort subsidy" and hopes that they can continue to accept orders comfortably and smoothly.
As per platform rules, passengers should communicate with the driver in advance through phone calls or the in-app chat to seek the driver's consent before bringing pets into the car.
Didi Chuxing expressed regret for inadequate promotion of rules related to traveling with pets, causing inconvenience to both drivers and passengers.
To better serve pet owners and reduce disputes between drivers and passengers, Didi's special car service has launched a "Pet-Friendly Travel" service in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, with plans for further expansion to more cities. Additionally, Didi supports visually impaired individuals traveling with guide dogs and prohibits drivers from refusing service in such cases.
