State Grid Nanjing: Electric warmth for drivers on the go

Wang, a ride-hailing driver, recently thanked staff at the "ride-hailing driver home" post in Nanjing for saving his life. He had been resting there between trips when he suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous, and a sense of numbness in his limbs. Staff members noticed the abnormality courtesy of surveillance footage, provided first aid, and called emergency services. He recovered thanks to their timely care.

Nanjing has about 150,000 certified ride-hailing drivers across 26 platforms. They often work long hours under high stress, frequently struggling to find places to eat, rest, seek medical care, or recharge.

To address these challenges, State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Company partnered with the government and trade unions to create the "ride-hailing driver home" at the Nanjing EV Geek Space Jiangning Station. The station, a large charging facility with 188 chargers and 193 parking spots, serves over 700 vehicles daily.

The "ride-hailing driver home" in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Since 2023, a 700-square-meter area on the first floor has been transformed into a driver-friendly hub. It features smart access via WeChat, union membership code, or ID card, plus 24/7 surveillance.

The hub includes rest and dining areas with cooking tools and water dispensers, a reading corner, an emergency medical kit, a care corner for female drivers, and free car repair tools. QR codes help drivers join the union. Since the start of the year, the hub has served over 10,700 drivers, about 90 per day.

Beyond basic amenities, the station offers convenient electricity services, free vehicle inspections, health check-ups, and legal consultations. Regular service fairs with the union let drivers have some fun during breaks.

The interior of the "ride-hailing driver home" in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Company has built 293 such service centers, serving over 50,000 new workforce members annually and benefiting more than 3,000 families. Volunteer hours have exceeded 18,000. The company will continue expanding services and optimizing locations, using these small hubs to protect those who help keep the city moving.