Uber launches 50 designated meeting areas in Guangzhou

Controversial car-hailing app Uber recently set up 50 private meeting locations for passengers to connect with drivers in Guangzhou.

According to Uber, the program is the first of its kind and is intended to make connecting Uber patrons with drivers more convenient.

The meeting locations will be situated downtown on privately owned property, after Uber signed deals with local landowners and property managers.

Each meeting station will have an Uber-branded sign, labeled in both English and Chinese, as well as include a serial number for reference.

This whole arrangement seems questionable, considering Uber’s tenuous relationship with local (and national for that matter) authorities.

READ MORE: Uber’s Guangzhou offices raided by authorities

Many Uber drivers have pointed out that these meeting stations essentially render them sitting ducks – easy prey for undercover police officers.

“This poses quite a risk, unless the local authorities welcome and approve the program,” local Uber driver Jay Lee told the South China Morning Post.

“It would be the perfect trap for undercover police to catch us,” he said. “I wouldn’t risk going close to one of these stations, at least not yet.”

Mr. Lee’s concerns seem valid, especially considering an announcement last month that authorities will be clamping down on Uber and Didi Kuaidi in Beijing and Shanghai. Until these stations recieve government approval, it's unlikely they will recieve a lot of use.  

Another lesser-mentioned concern is that Uber drivers may be more easily targeted for attack and harassment from licensed taxi drivers who feel threatened by the unregulated service.

Only time will tell how successful these pick-up stations become. But, for now anyway, it seems like Uber drivers are taking an unnecessary risk by using the designated meeting stations. 

RELATED: Private drivers engage in several hour standoff with Guangzhou police

[Image via NEWS BTC]