Didi offers US$10mn relief fund to help overseas drivers cope with the effects of coronavirus pandemic
- Chinese tech companies have collectively pledged billions of yuan to help fight the epidemic
Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride-hailing platform, has launched a US$10 million (70.1 million yuan) special relief fund to help drivers in its international markets cope with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Beijing-based company will provide financial relief to its drivers and delivery couriers diagnosed with the deadly disease, it said in a statement on Friday.
The move, which follows similar relief efforts for the domestic business, is aimed at ensuring public safety and providing support to partners impacted by the virus in international markets across Asia and Latin America.
Earlier this week Didi launched ride-hailing services in Panama amid the outbreak, marking the sixth Latin American country where it has operations, alongside Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Costa Rica.
“It is deeply moving to see so many partners continue to keep our cities running during these challenging times,” said Jean Liu, president of Didi, “there is no doubt in our mind that Didi as a company also needs to do our part.”
The move comes as fellow ride-haling service providers Uber and Lyft announced plans to compensate drivers affected by the virus, including relief funds and paid sick leave for those who are placed in quarantine.