Meituan, Suzhou Police Launch Rider Traffic Light Timer at 1,100 Intersections

On July 31, Meituan and the Suzhou public security bureau jointly launched the first official version of the "traffic light waiting timer" feature for delivery riders, initially covering about 1,100 signalized intersections in Gusu District and the Suzhou Industrial Park. When riders wait at red lights at intersections with integrated traffic data, the system separately accumulates the waiting time and correspondingly extends the latest delivery deadline for the order. The platform had previously provided "red light time compensation" through road condition models; this pilot further integrates real-time traffic light status and rider trajectories, advancing from estimated compensation to recognition and extension based on actual waiting time.

The feature incorporates compliance costs that were previously borne mainly by individual riders into the platform's fulfillment rules, redistributing risk, incentives and responsibility. The platform's algorithms determine which time is recognized and which delays are excused in order dispatch, order stacking, timeout assessment and income settlement. When external shocks such as weather changes, traffic signals and restaurant preparation speed are not fully incorporated into the algorithms, these uncertainties tend to be absorbed by riders at the end of the delivery chain. This adjustment allows the system to absorb red light waiting time, recognizing safe waiting at the level of rules.

The Suzhou pilot relies on rider location trajectories and real-time traffic light status data, which are held respectively by the platform and the traffic management authorities. Cross-departmental data coordination is the foundation for the technology's implementation.

The platform needs to guard against location loopholes, provide clear determination explanations and convenient manual review. The combination of traffic data and rider trajectories involves sensitive personal information such as movement trajectories, and should adhere to the principle of minimum necessity, with clear specifications on purpose, retention period and access permissions.