Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    DIDI Chuxing, the largest app-based cab operator in China, has canceled accounts of more than 8,000 drivers in Shenzhen and required them to send applications for review.

    The drivers received text messages starting Thursday evening, saying their driver’s license or vehicle license were abnormal. Drivers need to have on-site checks with the licenses to apply for review.

    This move was made after a woman passenger surnamed Zhong was murdered by a Didi driver, Pan, who used a fake plate, last week. Pan used his driver’s license and vehicle license to register on the service platform, but he drove with a fake plate registered in Zhuhai that had the same last three digits as the Shenzhen plate.

    Didi said this is a routine check on the drivers. Drivers can apply for review within a month.

    Didi also changed the rule to allow customers to see the full number of the license plates of a vehicle before being picked up. Its customers’ service also operates 24 hours a day to handle calls from customers.

    Shenzhen traffic police remind residents to be prudent when taking app-based vehicles with non-local license plates.