On October 12, reports indicated that Meituan has piloted rider evaluation of users and rider blocking of users functionality in seven cities including Jinjiang in Fujian Province and Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province, granting riders the option to block users. Under this feature, within 48 hours after order completion, riders can anonymously evaluate users on the order page. When encountering scenarios such as customer verbal abuse, intimidation or threats, riders can also check "no longer deliver to this customer" on the evaluation page to quickly block users, or select to block customers through "Order Settings Page - Order Tools Module - Block Customers" in the rider app.
Regarding this development, on October 13, a person close to Meituan revealed that the aforementioned new feature is authentic, but currently it is only a small test function. Further interpretation will be provided after a certain model prototype is established in the future.
One rider exclaimed: "This feature is fantastic!" However, he also indicated that the feature is not used arbitrarily and has certain restrictions. Riders need to provide evidence of being threatened or verbally abused by customers, and can only blacklist customers after audit approval. "If blacklisting could be done arbitrarily, then customers living on the 5th floor or above without elevators would find it very difficult to order takeout."
It is also understood that currently each rider can only simultaneously maintain blocks on two users at most, with a blocking period of 365 days, automatically lifted upon expiration.
Regarding the launch of this feature, consumers also have their own thoughts and suggestions. Many express support, believing that malicious customers indeed exist, some even using negative reviews to obtain free meals, making this measure a strong protection for rider rights. Others have called for the platform to quickly launch a "blacklist merchants" function, jokingly saying they have "poor memory, always forgetting unpalatable restaurants and ordering from them a second time," hoping to avoid repeated disappointments.
Overall, this move by Meituan marks an important step forward in the platform's construction of two-way evaluation and mutual trust mechanisms. It not only enhances riders' professional dignity and voice, but also promises to promote more equal and rational interactive relationships between users and riders.
From an industry perspective, if such features are promoted, they may drive the entire local life service sector to further optimize service rules, balance multi-party interests, and create a healthier platform ecosystem.
Since this year, Meituan has introduced a series of protection policies for riders. For example, in February, Meituan officially launched the "overtime penalty exemption" pilot in some cities in Guangxi for the first time. The pilot completely eliminated overtime deductions in trial areas, changing crowdsourced riders' "overtime deductions" to a point system, supplemented by supportive strategies such as training assistance for new riders, optimized meal preparation scheduling, and appeal channels.
In June, Meituan officially upgraded its "Rider Serious Illness Care Plan," expanding disease reimbursement categories and including minor children of part-time crowdsourced riders in coverage. Based on the previous 101 serious illness protections, it further added mild illness protections covering 51 types of mild diseases, while also adding non-serious illness hospitalization medical expense reimbursements. After the upgrade, eligible children of dedicated and crowdsourced riders diagnosed with specific diseases can apply for 30% of the one-time payment limit and fixed hospitalization subsidies.
In July, building on previous pension insurance subsidy pilots, Meituan officially launched pension insurance subsidies nationwide. The company committed that as long as riders had income meeting the local social security contribution base minimum for 3 months within the past 6 months, they would automatically qualify for pension insurance subsidies.
Meituan stated that focusing on riders' actual needs, the platform continues to upgrade safety protections, from anti-fatigue mechanisms and canceling overtime deductions to solving "last 100 meters" delivery difficulties and streamlining rider appeal channels. "We strive to promote the transformation from negative punishment to positive incentives by exploring fairer and more humanized incentive mechanisms."
Notably, in May this year, Meituan disclosed first quarter 2025 rider income data: nationwide high-frequency riders' average monthly income ranged from 7,230 to 10,100 yuan. Among them, Lepao riders composed of skilled riders had the highest average monthly income, reaching 12,593 yuan in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
At that time, relevant officials from Meituan's rider protection team indicated that this year's focus is to continuously expand protection categories, safeguard occupational safety, and optimize the positive cycle between rider work and income.