When the taxi-booking app Didi Taxi was launched in 2012 in China, no one predicted it could have over 100 million registered users and drivers. However, just two years later, the app is targeting a new demographic, customers wishing for a luxury ride.

Taxi-booking app launches new high-end service

The wait time to get a cab can stretch painfully long in big cities in China, but the Didi Taxi app changed all that, becoming an instant hit even just when it was launched in 2012.‍

The app took that a step further a few months ago, when it launched its new service for high-end customers. So far, public opinion has been divided.

"I think for those who like to travel with better vehicles, it's a good thing," a local resident said. "But for us, it's unnecessary.”

"Some of your personal info might be stolen if use this service," another said.

This driver, who prefered to remain anonymous, has worked for Didi Zhuanche for a month now. He says that he only drives for Didi Zhuanche during his leisure time.

"As a car owner, I use this as a second job to get some extra income to pay family expenses," the driver said. "Nowadays, this APP is very popular, it's not like a formal job, there's less pressure."

The Didi Zhuanche service offers a wide array of luxury automobiles to choose from, well-trained drivers. Inside the car, they're provided with bottled water, umbrellas, WiFi and even slippers.

Switching from a taxi to a high-end car is like switching from a motel to five-star luxury. For the enhanced in-car experience and personalized warm service, it's definitely worth paying a little extra.

The starting price varies depending on which vehicle customer asks for.

An Audi A6, for example, will start off at 23 yuan and charge 4.7 yuan per kilometer. A regular cab in Sichuan will have an 8-yuan starting fee. Some taxi drivers have called Didi Zhuanche an illegal operation.

In response, the Ministry of Transport announced they will issue measures to regulate this internet car booking service.

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