WeRide has launched its first paid commercial service leveraging its L4 Robobus in central Guangzhou, China. The company says this rollout marks the city’s first commercial autonomous bus line in its downtown core.
Guangzhou was chosen for this first deployment by WeRide for its complex and congested urban traffic conditions. Its dense population and heavy vehicle volume likewise present challenges for traditional transportation systems. In introducing its Robobus to the city, WeRide is aiming to offer its citizens a safe, comfortable, and efficient mini-bus service.
This driverless robobus route covers 13.6 km (8.45 miles) in a loop, starting and ending at Meidong Road Terminal in Yuexiu District, with a full journey taking about 55 minutes. The route connects key landmarks of Guangzhou, including Dongjun Plaza, Yuexiu Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Municipal Trade Union), and Guangdong Building.
Each robobus carries up to six passengers and operates daily from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and tickets are priced at 10 RMB (£1 / €1.22 / $1.38) with a 50% discount during the trial period. Passengers can board the service using the local Yang Cheng Tong transit card or through mobile payment methods.
The announcement follows WeRide obtaining a commercial license from the Chinese government in December 2023 that allowed the company to carry out robobus operations in Huangpu District, Guangzhou.
