Exploring the Experience of Riding Robotaxis in China’s Cities

The emergence of robotaxis in China is transforming urban transportation. Test rides in Shenzhen with Pony.ai and in Beijing with Baidu’s Apollo Go provide insights into the experience of riding in these autonomous vehicles.

In Shenzhen, the experience began with a delay. Although Pony.ai’s app estimated a five-minute wait, it extended to nearly ten minutes. Once the vehicle arrived, the boarding process was straightforward: scan a QR code, enter, and buckle up. The car would not move unless passengers were secured.

Inside the Pony.ai vehicle, a screen displayed real-time images of nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, making the autonomous technology feel more tangible. However, the screen alone did not clarify how well the system could handle unexpected situations.

On the road, Pony.ai demonstrated cautious driving behavior, braking early for electric scooters and yielding to pedestrians. The ride was generally smooth, albeit occasionally hesitant.

In contrast, the Apollo Go robotaxi in Beijing exhibited a more assertive driving style. It changed lanes readily, accelerated promptly, and moved decisively at green lights, although it also braked more frequently.

While these test rides provide a glimpse into the autonomous vehicle experience, they do not resolve broader safety debates. Pony.ai stated that it combines extensive real-world testing with simulation-based validation, using its proprietary PonyWorld model to recreate complex traffic scenarios.

In unusual situations, such as road closures or heavy congestion, remote operators can guide the vehicle without taking direct control, ensuring that the autonomous system makes all driving decisions. Baidu did not respond to requests for comment.

For passengers, the most immediate luxury of riding in a robotaxi is the personal space it offers. The author, a Beijing native, noted that taxi conversations can often be stressful, as silence may feel impolite. In a driverless vehicle, this social pressure disappears.

The interiors of the robotaxis also provided a sense of sanctuary. The Pony.ai vehicle was clean and odorless, with adjustable air conditioning and music options. Meanwhile, Baidu’s Apollo Go featured voice commands for temperature control and a back-seat massage function, enhancing the comfort of the ride.

However, challenges remain outside the vehicle. Unlike traditional taxis or rideshare services like Didi Chuxing, both Apollo Go and Pony.ai restrict rides to designated zones with fixed pickup and drop-off points. This means passengers may need to walk several hundred meters to access a ride, resembling a bus service more than a taxi experience.

For autonomous fleets to appeal to mainstream commuters, addressing the last-mile convenience gap is essential. Nonetheless, commercial momentum is building. Pony.ai reported that its second-quarter robotaxi service revenue surged nearly eight-fold year on year to $12.1 million, driven by a significant increase in passenger fare revenue.

As of June, Pony.ai’s global fleet included 1,975 vehicles, with over 1.5 million registered users in China by mid-August, covering more than 2,000 square kilometers in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. In Shenzhen, routes now extend to key transit hubs.

Expanding service areas may encourage more passengers to forgo their personal vehicles, provided that wait times decrease and pickup points are more conveniently located. Until then, the sight of an empty driver’s seat may continue to attract attention, but the comfort of silence is a welcome change for many passengers.

Source: SCMP Tech (Asia)