Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    THE Criminal Investigation Department of the public security bureau will check the background of drivers who register with the Didi app platform.

    According to an agreement signed by the two sides, the CID will review and check the information of all drivers that apply to drive for the largest app-based cab service provider. Didi’s database of drivers will be connected and compatible with the police data system.

    The move is to guarantee the safety of app-based cabs. The CID will prevent and clamp down on crime and violations.

    Didi has adopted a series of measures to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers such as online trip sharing, one-button call for help, facial recognition of drivers and passenger phone number protection. In addition, each transaction is traceable through the Didi database.

    Safety concerns have dogged the ride-hailing industry as it grows increasingly popular.

    On May 3, a 24-year-old woman passenger was killed by a Didi driver, who was arrested the following day and admitted to having killed the woman.

    Didi said an investigation indicated that the driver had used a real ID card, driving permit and vehicle registration documents. However, on the night of the incident the driver used a different license plate from the one he had registered with Didi.

    The slaying renewed fears over the lack of regulations for the app-based cab service market and forced app-based cab service providers to strengthen driver background checks and introduce facial recognition technology.

    In a Sept. 2 case, a Didi driver was robbed by a “passenger” in Bao’an District. The robber, who was caught Sept. 20, admitted he robbed the driver to help pay off his gambling debt.

    The transport authorities in March found out 1,425 such drivers had a record of drug abuse. Another 1,661 had criminal records.