Chinese rideshare giant Didi Chuxing to launch Didi Express service in Melbourne

The Australian rideshare market continues to heat up, with Chinese player Didi Chuxing today announcing it’s set to launch in Melbourne later this month.

Having raised more than US$20 billion in funding since its launch in 2012, Didi Chuxing offers a range of services, from ridesharing to taxi hailing, car rental, and enterprise solutions. Having completed a beta launch in Geelong in May, it will be launching its core ridesharing service, Didi Express, in Melbourne on June 25.

The company told Startup Daily it was attracted to Australia as locals “continue to respond exceptionally well to new technologies, including ridesharing”.

“We have chosen Melbourne as it has a high penetration of ridesharing, a vibrant technology scene, receptiveness to new technology, and a supportive local government. Melbourne also puts us in close proximity to Geelong,” the company added.

The Australian team, consisting of a “small group of local ops, marketing and product managers”, will be led by Dillon Ye, with engineering support from Didi’s Mountain View office.

In launching down under, the company has promised to offer riders “affordable, reliable, and convenient ridesharing options” and “create more income-generating opportunities for drivers in local communities”.

Didi is offering riders 50 percent off – up to the value of $10 per trip – two rides per passenger per day from June 25 to July 1, while drivers will “enjoy a flat and transparent” commission rate of 20 percent. Drivers who register before June 25 will also receive a $200 bonus if they complete 20 trips within 7 days.

The company has also highlighted its focus on safety; along with “strict driver vetting processes”, it will allow riders and drivers to call each other from hidden numbers, and offer 24/7 phone support to riders and drivers. Read more

Gina Baldassare - Startup Daily - 15 June 2018