The First Nationwide! WeRide Approved for Fee-Based Autonomous Minibus Operations in Guangzhou

On December 30th, WeRide, in collaboration with Guangzhou Bus Group, officially launched commercial fee-based autonomous minibus services. The two parties obtained the qualification for the demonstration and application of intelligent connected vehicles in Huangpu District, Guangzhou, on December 21st, and were granted permission to conduct commercial fee-based operations of autonomous microcirculation buses (Robobus). This marks the first nationwide commercial operation license for pre-installed mass-produced Robobus! (WeRide Robobus cruising on the streets of Guangzhou)

The routes involved in this commercial demonstration application include Bio Island Line 1, Bio Island Line 2, Knowledge City Yongjingwan Convenience Line, Guangzhou Tower Line, and Pazhou Loop. In addition to the 5 autonomous driving convenience lines that have already undergone passenger testing, there will be groundbreaking openings for the autonomous bus BRT route between BRT Xiayuan Station and BRT Wenyuan Station (Subway Shuanggang Station), as well as night routes for Bio Island Line 1, Bio Island Line 2.

Citizens can board directly by swiping their metro card Yangcheng Tong (supporting Yangcheng Tong payment, mobile QR code payment, NFC payment; as the route is a convenience line, card swiping does not participate in public transportation ticket discounts). One person per seat, standing is not allowed, and minors are allowed to ride accompanied by guardians. Night routes will be available on Bio Island Line 1 and Bio Island Line 2. During the trial operation period, no charges will be incurred, and citizens who want to take the night routes can directly pre-book through the "Smart Minibus" applet on WeChat.

(Citizens experiencing the Robobus)

Securing the commercial demonstration application license for Robobus and officially entering the fee-based operational stage signifies that Robobus has stepped into the large-scale commercial deployment. This significant milestone is backed by WeRide's nearly two years of operational accumulation in Guangzhou. Guangzhou, being the first in the country to establish a relatively complete intelligent connected vehicle testing and application system, along with the "1+1+2+7" autonomous driving commercial demonstration operation policy system, has accumulated a wealth of pilot demonstration experience. As one of the first intelligent connected vehicle road test pilot areas in Guangzhou, Huangpu District has consistently played a leading role and locomotive in the high-quality development of intelligent connected vehicles. It strongly supports and guides relevant enterprises to accelerate the exploration of commercial operation models for intelligent connected vehicles, further promoting the development of the autonomous driving industry and innovation and upgrading in the transportation industry.

On September 21, 2022, WeRide Robobus was selected as one of the first 14 intelligent transportation pilot tasks by the Ministry of Transport, achieving the highest level of national recognition. Currently, the successful landing experience of WeRide Robobus in Guangzhou has been successfully replicated in many cities at home and abroad, including Beijing, Wuxi, Nanjing, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and others.

(WeRide Robobus pioneers the design without a steering wheel and driver's cabin)

Commercialization has always been a focal point in the development of the autonomous driving industry, and as a leader in the L4 autonomous driving field, WeRide has consistently worked on commercialization practices. In November 2019, WeRide launched China's first publicly-operated Robotaxi fee-based service in the Huangpu District of Guangzhou. On November 17, 2023, WeRide was officially authorized to provide fee-based Robotaxi in Yizhuang, Beijing.

On November 17, 2023, WeRide Robotaxi officially started accepting orders and welcoming passengers in Beijing!

Now, WeRide's fee-based services have expanded from Robotaxi to Robobus, receiving approval for the commercial application of L4 autonomous driving technology in the smart mobility scenario. This will undoubtedly unleash significant commercial potential and blood-making capabilities, setting a model and benchmark for the entire industry's commercial development.

The road ahead may be challenging, but WeRide remains steadfast in its commitment to progress, continuously expanding the operational scale and scope of various autonomous driving products, bringing convenient, comfortable, and worry-free autonomous travel options to residents in more cities!