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China's ridesharing services will require special licenses
Ridesharing services are big in China, but they've run into many of the same regulatory concerns you see everywhere else -- officials are worried about holding drivers accountable for their behavior. Accordingly, the country's Ministry of Transport has posted draft rules that toughen the requirements for these app-based transportation outfits. Companies will need insurance and special licenses to operate, and drivers will both need to commit to only one service and maintain a certain level of experience. Data has to be stored within China and shared with authorities, too. Vehicles will also have to seat seven people or less, so you won't be hailing a party bus or stretch limo. The rules could change (they're open to public feedback), but it won't be surprising if these core principles remain in the final document.
Lyft partnership will help you get a ride in China
Ridesharing services don't usually translate well across borders. Even if you can use the same company, you may have to pay in a different currency -- how do you know what that trip will cost until you've paid for it? Lyft might have a way to set your mind at ease. It just unveiled a partnership with China's biggest ridesharing firm, Didi Kuaidi, that will make it easier for travelers in both China and the US to hail rides. If you're an American visiting China, you can request a Didi car through the Lyft app in dollars; accordingly, a Chinese visitor to the States can use Didi to get a Lyft vehicle while paying in yuan. This ideally gives you both access to a service with a lot of coverage (Uber's Chinese footprint is small compared to Didi's) and prices you can understand.
