Spring Festival Ride-Hailing Orders Surge; Platforms Offer $1.5B in Driver Subsidies to Ensure Supply

Travel demand during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday surged, leading to a sharp increase in ride-hailing orders and widespread difficulties hailing rides in many regions. To ensure sufficient driver supply, major platforms—including DiDi, Amap, T3 Mobility, and Caocao Mobility—rolled out substantial financial incentives. DiDi allocated RMB 1.1 billion in subsidies, offering drivers commission-free cards, completion bonuses, and "driver service fees." Amap introduced commission-free cards valid for up to 264 hours and added a RMB 2–10 surcharge on passenger fares during peak hours, with 100% of the fee going directly to drivers. T3 Mobility committed over RMB 400 million and included complimentary medical accident insurance for drivers. Caocao Mobility provided drivers with either a full-day commission-free option for RMB 29.9 or a 20% earnings multiplier. Drivers reported significantly higher order volumes and noticeably increased income during the Spring Festival compared to regular days. Meanwhile, platforms also enhanced safety and service measures: Amap launched its "Eagle Eye Guardian" system, while DiDi optimized pick-up and drop-off experiences at transportation hubs across 165 cities and organized driver appreciation events such as family-style banquets and welfare stations.