Cargo vans used for passengers during torrential rains

Questions have been raised about the use of vehicles on the online on-demand van hiring platform Lalamove, after a Beijing resident allegedly booked a cargo van for a passenger trip during the recent torrential rains in Beijing. 

Photo taken July 11, 2018 shows a cargo van of Lalamove in Beijing. [Photo: IC]

According to a report by Beijing Youth Daily, the booking was made as heavy rains pelted the city during peak hour, when few taxis or ride-hailing platform cars were available. 

The report said that it is against the law for cargo vans to be used to carry passengers, however Beijing Youth Daily reporters found that it is a regular occurrence for Lalamove drivers to accept orders that didn't involve cargo delivery. 

Lalamove customer service was cited as saying that the platform has clear regulations that forbid the use of its vans for passenger transport, but said that it relies on customer reports of violations of its rules.

The report warns against the use of cargo vans for passenger trips, as legal issues might arise in case of an accident.