The Beijing-based transportation company will relaunch the service on a trial basis in seven Chinese cities, including Beijing. Rides will be limited to under 50 kilometres; while men can use the service until 11 p.m., women will only be allowed to ride between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Financial Times)

Talking point: China’s Ministry of Transport investigated the firm after its drivers murdered two female passengers; in 2018, it suspended the Hitch service indefinitely after finding it had “lost control” of its drivers and cars. Didi said it reported this new trial to Chinese regulators, suggesting they have likely approved the pilot. The company is relaunching its service amid increased consumer spending on ride-sharing, as well as greater competition. It will be hoping for success: though Didi was valued at US$56 billion this year and has 550 million users globally, it isn’t yet profitable. While Hitch was in service, analysts estimate it made up about one-tenth of the firm’s revenues.