A smartphone with Ride-hailing apps Didi Chuxing, Dida Chuxing and Cao Cao Mobility Photo: VCG

After sparking spreading public discontent, Shanghai transportation authorities on Saturday swiftly reversed course by scrapping a ride-hailing ban at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, effective on Sunday.

Major ride-hailing platforms, including DiDi Chuxing, Amap and Meituan, have resumed their car-hailing services within the airport area, according to their social media posts seen on Sunday morning.

The move signified the swift repeal of a regulation that had been in effect for just five days, which has won approval from online netizens for Shanghai’s rapid responsiveness to public opinion.

The Shanghai Road Administration Bureau on Monday released a notice, stating that, “to ensure smooth and orderly traffic within the Pudong airport, especially during the upcoming Spring Festival travel season, ride-hailing services would be prohibited from picking up passengers in the area.” 

The ban immediately sparked intense discussions across air passengers and stirred widespread dissatisfaction among the travelling public.

Chen Yuefeng, vice dean of the Law School at East China University of Political Science and Law, voiced his views in a local television interview, stating that the regulations imposed on ride-hailing “lacked a legal foundation and rationale.” 

He argued that the change of rules not only impede the operational rights of ride-hailing drivers, but also disrupt fair competition between ride-hailing services and traditional taxis, encroaching upon the fair competition rights of the ride-hailing sector.

On Chinese social media platform Weibo, many users disagreed to the policy change, saying that a blanket ban is highly unreasonable given the citizens’ demand for ride-hailing services. One netizen complained he spent over 260 yuan ($36.15) on a taxi ride while the ban was in effect, which is nearly 100 yuan more expensive than taking a ride-hailing service.

In a later response to the ban on Thursday, Wu Xuecheng, an official of Shanghai Road Administration Bureau said that the recently released “notice” is not a new regulation, but a reiteration of one implemented in 2016.

“Currently, the supply of taxis at Pudong airport is sufficient, and drivers have to wait for five to six hours to collect a passenger. For major transportation hubs like Pudong airport, it is best to prioritize taxi services to ensure smooth travel. Based on the recent transport arrangements, we are reiterating the existing regulations,” Wu said.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport saw a passenger throughput exceeding 54 million in 2023, making it the second busiest airport in Chinese mainland after Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which handled over 63 million passengers annually.

Staff from Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission said that they have recently received many complaints from residents about the case. They have listened to the complaints and assured that relevant departments will handle them promptly, according to a report from the Jimu News on Saturday.

Later the same day, Shanghai announced the repeal of the ban, earning praise from many netizens who commended the reversal reflecting the true “Shanghai speed.” They also expressed admiration for the prompt response of the Shanghai authorities to public opinion.

Global Times