China's First Self-Driving Taxi Service Officially Launches in Shanghai with a Starting Fare of 14 yuan
Phoenix Tech News, August 1st, Shanghai welcomes its first self-driving taxi service - Xiaoma Robotaxi officially enters operation. According to understanding, the starting fare for Xiaoma's autonomous taxis is 14 yuan, covering a 3-kilometer journey, and exceeding that by 2.7 yuan per kilometer, with overall pricing similar to traditional taxis. The operating hours are from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, with the initial operational range focused on Pudong New Area, centered around Jinqiao, Huamu regions, covering major roads such as Shenjiang Road, Jinxi Road, Heishan Road, Yanggong Middle Road, and others.
Xiaoma has stated that as the service gradually becomes more mature, it will expand to Pudong's entire domain, opening up test roads for more regional citizens to enjoy intelligent transportation services.
Meanwhile, please note that due to the initial limited number of vehicles deployed during peak hours or popular areas, there may be longer waiting times. The company will closely monitor user feedback and gradually increase vehicle deployment, continuously optimizing service experience.
According to information, Xiaoma's Robotaxi autonomous driving system has been equipped with the ability to predict driver behavior, significantly improving travel safety and efficiency. For example, the system not only accurately identifies pedestrians ahead but also predicts their intentions to cross the road and responds by slowing down or avoiding obstacles, thereby minimizing potential risks.
This official launch of Xiaoma Robotaxi is a result of its new batch of smart connected vehicle demonstration permits obtained at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, including eight enterprises such as Xiaoma Technology, Baidu Intelligent Robotics, Seco Smart Technology, Shanghai Jiahao Taxi Company, and Shanghai Youdao Wisdom Technology, becoming the first batch of approved companies to conduct "mainly unmanned" operations in Shanghai.
Unlike previous trials with "human drivers," this permit covers both smart taxi and smart logistics industries, allowing enterprises to operate autonomous vehicles in test areas. Mr. Han Daidong, Deputy Commissioner of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, revealed at the conference that Shanghai will expand autonomous driving testing zones in an orderly manner, aiming to achieve full-scale opening in Pudong New Area while simultaneously promoting the expansion of similar areas in Putuo and Minghang districts, connecting four major test routes in the city.