Beijing Credits Red Light Wait Times for Food Couriers to Ease Pressure

Beijing authorities are introducing an innovative measure to alleviate the intense time pressure faced by food delivery couriers. In collaboration with major delivery platforms, the city will now credit couriers for time spent waiting at red lights. This move addresses the demanding, algorithm-controlled work environment where couriers often resort to speeding or traffic violations to meet delivery deadlines.

Under the new system, waiting times at traffic signals will be automatically deducted from the calculated delivery duration, which impacts courier performance evaluations. Delivery platforms will receive traffic light data from authorities to implement this. For instance, a 90-second wait at a red light will add 90 seconds to the courier's allotted time. This initiative is slated for a pilot test in parts of the city starting in September.

Further adjustments are being made to the delivery time calculations. The system will now assume a maximum average speed of 15 kilometers per hour. Couriers will receive extended delivery times during adverse weather conditions or difficult traffic situations. Additionally, time will be added for transferred orders. Millions of couriers in China's large cities rely on the volume of completed orders for their income, and while direct penalties for late deliveries have decreased, the pressure remains high.