• Traffic congestion in Beijing is worse than ever, and ride-on-demand services are to blame, according to government authorities.

Traffic congestion in Beijing is worse than ever, and ride-on-demand services are to blame, according to government authorities. (Photo : Reuters)

During an era when transportation apps are under the microscope as subjects of worldwide controversy, the Shanghai Carlink Internet Service Co. Ltd. has launched the Drive Home Together campaign in preparation for Spring Festival celebrations this year.

The Shanghai company runs the ridesharing app Chelun and has encouraged car-owning participants of the new year festivities to join forces and travel in a single car, or share their vehicle with non-car-owners who wish to travel in the same direction.

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During an extremely hectic Chinese holiday season in a country where the ordinary traffic levels are problematic and stressful, the campaign has clearly resonated with Shanghai residents, with more than eight thousand already registered with the Chelun campaign.

However, the city's officials have not joined in with the popular support and, citing safety as the primary concern, the Shanghai Transport Commission has spoken out against the Drive Home Together campaign, deeming it illegal.

According to a commission spokesperson, drivers cannot accept remuneration for a ride if they are not in possession of an operative license if they wish to abide by Shanghai's laws. Furthermore, cars that are involved in accidents will not receive the support of the commission, while none of the parties involved in the accident will be covered in any way.

Jiang Shushuang, the general manager of Shanghai Carlink Internet Service, spoke with the local media on Tuesday, explaining that mutual trust and sociability underpinned the initiative. Jiang said:

"Mutual trust is a key factor here. That is why we encourage users to communicate with each other before sharing a ride."

In addition to the ability of app users to share information such as departure time and the number of seats available, chat groups also provide open forums for car owners to discuss logistical matters with potential riders.

According to one Shanghai resident whose ridesharing practices precede the introduction of Chelun, "the journey can be more interesting if there are more people with us."