Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro Introduce Autonomous Taxi Service in Guangzhou

Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro have launched a robotaxi service in Guangzhou, operating at key transport hubs. Learn about its features, expansion plans, and competition in China's growing autonomous taxi market.

Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai and Singapore-based transport operator ComfortDelGro have officially launched their joint robotaxi service in Guangzhou. This move follows a memorandum of understanding signed by both companies in July 2024, marking a significant step toward large-scale autonomous taxi operations.

The service is already operational in key areas, including major transportation hubs like Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Guangzhou South Railway Station. Customers can book rides through the PonyPilot App, with fares comparable to traditional taxis. However, for now, robotaxis operate within limited time slots—from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Pony.ai’s fleet consists of vehicles developed in collaboration with Toyota and GAC-Toyota. In 2022, the company became the first in China to obtain a commercial license for autonomous taxis in Nansha District, Guangzhou. To meet regulatory requirements, its vehicles underwent at least two years of testing, accumulating over one million kilometers of driving data.

Looking ahead, Pony.ai plans to expand its service significantly. By 2025, it aims to grow its robotaxi fleet from 250 to over 1,000 vehicles. Additionally, the company is eyeing expansion into Hong Kong, initially offering services for airport staff before broadening its operations to urban areas.

The autonomous taxi market in Guangzhou is becoming increasingly competitive, with WeRide among Pony.ai’s key rivals. While public adoption of self-driving taxis remains uncertain, the rapid rollout of these services signals China's strong push toward a driverless future.

Source: automotiveworld.com