Hailing a ride via platforms like Uber is an increasingly popular alternative to taxis. But safety has always been a talking point. Last Monday, a driver registered on leading Chinese platform Didi, allegedly killed a passenger in Shenzhen. This has prompted concerns nationwide, and called the credentials of drivers into question. The country is eagerly awaiting a new regulation due to be released this month, which aims to integrate ride-hailing services into the taxi management system.

This photo of a license plate. Was the last communication from a 24-year-old teacher in Shenzhen. Monday evening last week, Zhong booked a private car using the online ride-hailing service Didi.

Her body was found later. Police tracked down the driver from the license plate photo, they say he has admitted to robbing and murdering the girl. 

Also in Shenzhen, a report in March found that more than 1,600 drivers listed on popular ride-hailing apps had criminal records. More than 1,400 drivers were found with a drug history.

Yet demand for private car services remains huge. In Beijing and Shanghai, some traditional taxi companies are cooperating with the online platforms.

"We are open to all taxi companies in China. If there is no problem with the review work, then everyone can join us," Yuan Dongliang, manager of Dazhoang Transportation, said.

More online ride-hailing platforms, more registered taxi drivers. The emergence of the new industry needs urgent regulations.

"There is a basic requirement for every car, every driver and any transportation business that gets on the road. They have to meet the requirements on driving skills, the quality of service as well as the ways they operate. To provide car services that are trustworthy, the parties involved have to shoulder their share of responsibility. It's a universal requirement," Wang Limei, secretary general of China Road Transport Association, said.

Later this month, the government is set to issue regulations for ride-hailing services. It is widely expected to raise the bar for registering drivers. By the end of 2015, there were almost 400 million people using ride-hailing services in China. And safety is on everyone's mind.