Shanghai's delivery riders become city's unsung emergency responders
Delivery riders, couriers, and ride-hailing drivers in Shanghai's Xuhui district are now playing a bigger role in city management. Over 8,000 workers in these fields have stepped up as partners in urban governance. Their involvement includes emergency response, community support, and even life-saving actions.
One standout example is Chen Zhifan, a food delivery rider who rushed a mother and her injured child to hospital on his scooter. His quick thinking cut critical time from the child's treatment. Chen is also part of a growing group of workers trained to act in emergencies.
Xuhui has rolled out a three-part plan to bring these mobile workers into city governance. The first step was strengthening Party-building efforts. Party branches were set up at courier stations and delivery platforms, making it easier for mobile Party members to stay engaged.
The second part focused on improving services for workers. A mini-program called the *Citywide Friendly Service Map* was launched, helping riders and drivers find nearby rest stops, water, and food. Special *Rider Energy Stations* and *Drivers' Homes* were also created as dedicated spaces for breaks and support. The third step encouraged two-way collaboration. Around 450 riders joined the *Rider Emergency Rescue Capability Enhancement Program*, forming volunteer first-response teams. These workers now report local issues, assist older residents, and act as emergency contacts. Their efforts are helping modernise how the city manages daily challenges. Chen Zhifan's actions highlight the impact of this approach. As a trained volunteer, he was ready to help when the child needed urgent care. His story is one of many showing how these workers are becoming essential to urban safety and support networks. While exact numbers aren't available nationwide, Xuhui's model demonstrates how integrating mobile workers can strengthen community resilience. The district's strategy—combining Party engagement, better services, and teamwork—has turned these workers into active partners in city life.
The changes in Xuhui show how delivery and ride-hailing workers are now part of the city's governance structure. With rest stops, training programs, and Party involvement, they have more ways to contribute. Their role in emergencies and daily support is making the district safer and more connected.
The initiative also sets an example for other areas looking to involve mobile workers in local management. While broader data is lacking, Xuhui's approach proves that small, practical steps can create meaningful change.
