MORE than 30 Didi drivers gathered at the office of Anyida Automobile Service Co. in Longhua New Area on Monday to protest and demand that the company keep its promises.

    The drivers said the company adopted a “rent for trade” mode to attract drivers to rent cars from the company and engage in app-based cab services.

    The company promised that the drivers would get priority in securing ride orders and 15 percent returns if they earn over 9,000 yuan (US$1,324) a month. In addition, if a car was impounded by the transportation authorities, the company would be responsible for returning it to the driver.

    One of the drivers, Yuan Changkui, said he had paid an initial rental fee of 13,091 yuan, plus 25,000 yuan for car monitoring software and a monthly rent of 3,690 yuan for a two-year leasing contract with the company. According to the deal, he would own the car, which costs 124,000 yuan, after the contract expires in two years. Many drivers choose to rent cars from the company because the rental service solved many of the drivers’ concerns such as license plates, orders and impoundment.

    But in reality, they didn’t get any priority, let alone the promised 15 percent returns. Many drivers suspected that they had been cheated by the company.

    However, Anyida denied that they had made any promises to drivers or was involved in any contract scams.

    Minzhi Subdistrict Office has intervened.

    (Han Ximin)