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Pro
Zhu Hong
Lawyer
Most of these apps are privately downloaded by taxi drivers. Although information like driving license, vehicle license or license plate numbers are required to register a taxi app account, it is still difficult to ensure the authenticity of the information, as the app developer has no connection to the taxi companies' networks, and cannot check the registration information. This means that drivers who offer illegal passenger services can also use these apps. For ordinary citizens using these apps to hail a cab, it is impossible for them to ensure that the taxi they call is legal. When disputes arise, it is difficult to safeguard passenger interests. CA
Con
Zhu Yonghua
Media commentator
If you look closely at the situation, it is easy to see that the reason why authorities banned the use of these apps is mainly because they are difficult for the government to supervise. These city governments sacrificed the passengers and cabbies' interests and banned them from using the apps for the authorities' own convenience.
This is typical bureaucracy. The government is supposed to provide public services. Supervising the taxi industry is one of the government's responsibilities. If there are any problems with regulating the industry, the government should examine itself, find its own defects and come up with appropriate solutions. Before making a final decision on whether the use of e-hailing apps should be suspended or not, I hope the government will listen to the opinions of passengers and taxi drivers. For the government, providing sound public services is supposed to be a more important responsibility than using administrative power. CA
Con
Wu Hailin
Taxi driver
I don't think the apps should be suspended. After downloading the mobile app, I could easily find passengers in my area and know where they are going before I even picked them up. If they are heading in a different direction from me, I can choose not to pick them up.
The app also reduced my downtime and, more importantly, directly increased my income as it allowed me to charge tips. I got several dozen yuan every day from tips.
The app could also easily confirm the authenticity of the cab drivers using the app as we have to upload ID information and photos to use it. There is also a credit rating system in the app. If the driver gets more than three negative reviews, his or her account on the app will be shut down.CA
Pro
Wang Bin
Chinavalue.net
I think the app should be suspended for the following reasons:
First, as cab service is a kind of public service, excess marketization in the sector will reduce its efficiency. Offering tips to cabbies to get quicker service will disturb the market, worsening the wait to get a cab for those without smartphones or the money to tip, while rich people who offer higher tips will monopolize cab service. The rich use too many social public resources. For instance, having too many private cars on public roads leads to traffic congestion, which threatens the interests of those commuters traveling by public transportation. If cab service is only available to the highest bidder, the interests of the majority will be jeopardized in the long run.
Second, the mobile app puts those who have little or no knowledge or access to such technology at a disadvantage, like the elderly and those who do not have, or cannot afford, smartphones.
Third, there are hidden safety hazards in using these apps. Traffic regulations forbid drivers from using phones while driving. However, who can guarantee that cabbies will only use the app while their cars are stopped?
I don't think such mobile apps are necessary. Technology does improve our lives, but we should not applaud every new technological creation. Hailing a cab sometimes requires patience, but should not be complicated by new technology. Cab-hailing apps are of no practical value, and allow a small group to monopolize public service resources, threatening social equity. There is every reason to ban these apps. CA | 
