DiDi gets first official online car-hailing operating license

A passenger uses the car-hailing app, Didi Chuxing, in Shanghai. [Photo: Xinhua photo]

China's largest ride-sharing platform Didi Chuxing strengthened government recognition of its business by obtaining its first local online operating license.

The one-stop mobile transportation platform received the Online Car-Hailing Operating License from Tianjin Municipality, where DiDi is registered, meaning its online car-hailing service is legal in the city, the company announced Thursday evening.

Tianjin authorities also granted DiDi formal accreditation of its car-hailing services, which is recognized nationwide.

The Ministry of Transport decided last year that car-hailing service operators need formal accreditation of online and off-line operating qualifications.

Other market players such as Shouqi Limousine & Chauffeur and UCAR have also obtained official online operating licenses and accreditation. 

DiDi said it will continue to work closely with other localities and expects to see significant acceleration of the overall licensing process.

DiDi offers online car-hailing services in over 400 cities and completes more than 20 million rides daily.