On July 14, Suzhou traffic management authorities announced a groundbreaking new measure — the first of its kind nationally — to formally include delivery riders' red light waiting time in delivery timing systems, enabling riders to 'afford to wait' at red lights. The new policy will be piloted from early August in Gusu District and the Suzhou Industrial Park.
Previously, delivery timing only accounted for riding distance and travel time, with red light waiting not factored in, forcing some riders to risk violations to meet delivery deadlines. Suzhou's new policy addresses this dilemma at its institutional root, eliminating the conflict between 'obeying the law means being late, rushing ensures income.'
In implementation, traffic management departments will connect road condition and violation warning data with instant delivery platforms' operational data, incorporating red light waiting time into delivery order duration. The system will automatically remove invalid timing and extend delivery deadlines accordingly.
Simultaneously, mandatory rest reminders after 4 consecutive hours of delivery and mandatory offline mechanisms after 12 hours will be implemented. Suzhou is also launching a monthly positive incentive system with a safety points management scheme, where points can be exchanged for cash rewards, phone credit subsidies, meal discounts, free medical checkups, and even residence permit points.
Jiang Zhen, commander of the Suzhou Public Security Bureau Traffic Management Detachment, stated that once this model matures, it will be gradually extended to ride-hailing drivers, taxi drivers, urban freight delivery, and other emerging business sectors.