Mobile transportation platform DiDi is launching its rideshare service, DiDi Express, in Brisbane on Monday July 22 2019.

Headquartered in Melbourne, DiDi Australia first launched Express in Geelong, Victoria in May 2018 and has since expanded to Melbourne in June 2018 and Newcastle in March 2019. 

Entry into Australia’s third most populous city represents a significant milestone for DiDi. DiDi’s rideshare service will cover the entire Brisbane urban area with a population of over 2 million, extending north to Bracalba (north-west of Caboolture), west to Ipswich and Amberley and south to Beenleigh.

DiDi Australia General Manager Mr. Lyn Ma said “We are thrilled to launch in Brisbane, a fast-growing and dynamic city where people love to get around and experience all the city has to offer. With the city’s receptiveness towards ridesharing and new technology, Brisbane is the ideal location for our continued expansion across Australia. We hope our launch into Brisbane allows local residents to do more and pay less with our rideshare service.”

The company aims to offer cutting-edge AI-powered technologies with local and global operational expertise to address the mobility needs of Australia. DiDi will continuously listen to users’ feedback to improve its product offering and experience with the aspiration of becoming the preferred ridesharing service in the market.

DiDi will provide drivers and riders in Brisbane with a range of offers in coming weeks. 

For drivers, DiDi is committed to maximising its driver-partners’ income with flexible work opportunities. In Brisbane, drivers will also benefit from the platform’s industry leading 5.5 percent service fee, meaning each driver keeps 94.5 percent of the trip fare. Drivers who sign up and are approved with DiDi before July 22 will receive a zero percent service fee for six weeks, allowing them to keep the entire fare. In addition, as Brisbane is one of the most popular destinations in Australia for Chinese visitors, DiDi’s roaming function will bring more income opportunities to its drivers in the city.

DiDi has opened a driver hub in Greenslopes to onboard and prepare drivers for the Brisbane launch. Interested drivers are encouraged to download the DiDi Driver app today or visit the driver hub for more information.

Riders who sign up before July 22 will receive up to 50 percent off 10 rides (up to the value of $10 per ride*) during the first four weeks after launch. Riders who sign up after the official launch will receive up to 50 percent off five rides (up to the value of $10 per ride*) during the first four weeks after launch. All riders will receive 10 percent off every ride* as a long-term commitment to Brisbane.

DiDi is also introducing DiDiDAYs to Brisbane, providing every user one free ride (to the value of $20) on the three Saturdays post-launch (July 27, August 3 and August 10).

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