Beijing enters into robotaxi commercialization

Beijing has officially allowed robotaxi operators, including startup Pony.ai and Baidu Inc, to charge fares for fully autonomous taxis in suburban Yizhuang district, the two companies confirmed on Wednesday.

The move means that passengers can book robotaxi rides without staff inside from companies' apps in Yizhuang district. It also marked that robotaxi businesses have officially entered into their commercialization period in the capital city.

In 2021, Beijing allowed the robotaxi operators to collect fares during trials and clarified the city autonomous driving test into three steps——with safety guards in the main driver seat, safety staff in the copilot's seat, and no staff inside the car.