Pony.ai, in partnership with Shanghai Jinjiang Taxi, has launched driverless ride-hailing services for the public in Shanghai, marking the city's entry into the commercial autonomous vehicle era as of Aug 1.

The rollout followed the issuance of the first eight autonomous vehicle demonstration operation permits by authorities at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference.

Currently, Pony.ai's robotaxis operate in designated areas within Jinqiao and Huamu, located in Pudong New Area, with fares comparable to traditional taxi services.

The initial charge is 14 yuan ($1.9) for the first three kilometers, increasing to 2.7 yuan per km for the next 12 kilometers, and 3.6 yuan per km beyond 15 km.

Passengers requesting a ride through the Pony.ai WeChat mini-program are required to unlock the car doors using their smartphones. Once inside, they must verify their identity by entering the last two digits of their phone number and acknowledge the safety instructions before the journey begins.

A test ride demonstrated the robotaxi's ability to maintain steady speeds alongside regular traffic, averaging around 40 km/h on city roads, while navigating complex situations with precision.

At the drop-off point, the vehicle provides audio and visual alerts to remind passengers to gather their belongings and exit carefully. It also displays real-time video of the car's right side to monitor approaching vehicles or pedestrians.

Previously, autonomous driving companies in Shanghai were limited to operational tests under demonstration application permits, allowing on-road trials without the ability to charge passengers.

The new demonstration operation licenses authorize companies to provide paid, driverless taxi services within designated zones, though some vehicles still carry safety personnel in the passenger seat.

Several other companies are preparing to enter the market with similar services. Baidu's Apollo Go and SAIC's IM Motors Robotaxi both plan to introduce their paid services soon, with plans to expand commercial services to areas such as the World Expo and the Lin-gang Special Area in the coming months.

SAIC's IM Motors Robotaxi intends to launch a trial Level-4 robotaxi route connecting Shanghai International Resort and Shanghai Pudong International Airport later this year.

Pony.ai intends to progressively increase the number of operational robotaxis based on user demand, aiming to exceed one hundred vehicles by the end of the year, according to Dai Dunfeng, head of the company's public relations.

Han Dadong, an official from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, said the city intends to progressively expand autonomous driving zones across the entire Pudong New Area, except key zones such as Lujiazui, and to open designated areas in Fengxian and Minhang districts.

Source: Shanghai Observer