I do not like the fragmentation though. I want one app to work everywhere. Uber in China is broken already and no way I could use Didi app.
Also, I do not think that there is any significant network or engineering value in the app itself. If Google or Tesla finally starts delivering self-driving car service for 10x less than Uber, users will flee in a jiffy.
Didi is very easy. Just type the location, and a cab will turn up within 1-2 minutes.
Given cab drivers make a pittance after the cost of the LPG and insurance, little disruption in the industry other than to share a ride home with a stranger that possibly works in a similar industry and/or similar locations, and smalltalk happens.
Current China eliminating blue collar jobs after they've already been decimated by modernisation over the past 3 decades is pretty unlikely.
Also, I do not think that there is any significant network or engineering value in the app itself. If Google or Tesla finally starts delivering self-driving car service for 10x less than Uber, users will flee in a jiffy.