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Raphael Thys
Two operators including Chinese internet search giant Baidu have been given the green light to start charging passengers to use their autonomous taxis in Beijing.
Baidu and Pony AI became the first companies to be granted licences by mainland Chinese authorities to launch their driverless cab services commercially following successful trial periods.
On Thursday, the Beijing High-level Automated Driving Demonstration Area gave permission for Baidu and Pony AI to charge fees for their so-called robotaxis in a designated area of the capital covering 60 square kilometres.
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The plan, according to an announcement from Baidu, is to expand the service rapidly.
“With the successful trial operation of Baidu’s Apollo Go commercial service, both the number of autonomous cars and the area of operation are due to expand further to meet the needs of local commuters, setting a foundation for the wider and more rapid development of commercialised autonomous driving within China,” Baidu said in a statement.
Passengers who feel uneasy about the prospect of an algorithm getting them safely from A to B need fear not: the taxis will have a human “security officer” behind the wheel, ready to intervene if necessary.
Baidu started running its driverless cabs on a trial basis in September last year. It will operate a fleet of 67 autonomous vehicles zipping between more than 600 pickup and drop-off points within the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, part of the permitted area. The service will be available from 7am to 10pm, and passengers can use the Apollo Go app to hail a ride.
The two companies have yet to unveil the fees they will charge passengers. Analysts predicted the rates would be similar to those of traditional taxis.