Shanghai 'model' sets pace for robotaxi services
City pilots driverless commercial operations in densely populated business zone
Rise of new tech
Shanghai issued its first eight demonstration operation permits for intelligent connected vehicles on July 26 during the 2025 World AI Conference& High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance.
Apart from Pony.ai and Jin Jiang taxi, the recipients included SAIC AI Lab, Utopilot, Baidu Inc's autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go, Shanghai Qiangsheng Holding Co, and Dazhong Transportation Group Co.
On Aug 15, Qiangsheng Taxi and SAIC AI Lab launched their joint intelligent connected vehicle service in the Lin-gang Special Area, now operating as a commercial service.
The service has 58 designated pickup and drop-off points across Lin-gang Special Area, and reaches key locations such as tourist attractions, commercial centers, residential neighborhoods, and public transit hubs. It operates between the peak travel periods of 8 am and 8 pm.
On the same day, Dazhong Transportation Group and Apollo Go jointly launched a driverless vehicle pilot test in the Jinqiao area.
Ge Lei, general manager of marketing with Dazhong's taxi arm, said the fleet includes five fifth-generation Apollo Go vehicles operating without in-vehicle safety operators.
The service runs on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm, covering an area of about 25 square kilometers, with plans to expand to nearby areas, Ge said. Rides can be booked via the Apollo Go app's mini-program, or through Dazhong's app.
Unlike regular ride-hailing services, passengers must board and alight at designated stops. About 70 such stations are currently in operation in Jinqiao, with more to be added as the service grows.
In April 2023, Dazhong and Apollo Go were given one of Shanghai's first permits for intelligent connected taxis in Jiading district, and conducted test rides with safety drivers onboard. "The experience gained there laid the groundwork for this fully driverless trial in Jinqiao," Ge said.
On Aug 20, IM Motors and SAIC AI Lab jointly launched a driverless robotaxi service linking Shanghai Disney Resort and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The service also offers short-distance connections between popular spots within the Shanghai International Resort area, reported the Shanghai Observer news portal. The spots include two hotels at Shanghai Disney Resort and train stations on the Airport Link Line.
