When coronavirus-hit Wuhan went into lockdown late last month, Didi Chuxing driver Li Wang immediately signed up to join a special force dedicated to helping the city’s stranded medical workers and residents. Didi is China's version of Uber and has set up two special fleets to serve Wuhan.
The 30-year-old knew all too well how vulnerable travel links can be during a disaster. In 2008, when an earthquake devastated Wang’s hometown in Sichuan province, she had to walk seven miles from her school until a motorcyclist offered to take her home. “I remember those gestures of kindness from strangers,” said Wang, who moved to the city two years ago to work for Didi. “I never imagined I would be in Wuhan and could give back.” Volunteers receive a daily fixed allowance from Didi.
For drivers like Wang and the more than 1,000 helpers like her in Wuhan, the focus is on filling the transportation gaps left behind by curbs on ride-hailing and public transportation. Each day, they fan out through Wuhan to drive sick residents -- who do not have coronavirus but need regular hospital visits for pre-existing health issues -- from their homes to the hospital.
Wang also transports alcohol, disinfectant, masks and protective gear into housing compounds. Before setting out, she cleans her entire car with disinfectant spray supplied by Didi and repeats the process after every trip. Wang reports her temperature to the company and changes her mask several times a day. Though she occasionally has conversations with passengers, Didi has encouraged drivers to minimize chit chat, given the possibility that the virus could be spread through droplets.
“Of course I’m a little worried, but I stay alert,” said Wang of the dangers of giving rides to possible virus carriers. When she started, she didn’t inform her mother who used to call everyday and tell her not to leave her house. Eventually she was able to convince her mom that what she’s doing was worthwhile. A chief concern for Wang remains the lack of good food options. On days she gets off early from work, she's stuck with either frozen dumplings or noodles.
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