Free trial ride of self-driving taxi now available 自动驾驶的士可预约免费试乘

11月1日，广州公交集团白云公司宣布推出全国第一辆自动驾驶出租车并于大学城试运营，但由于道路条件及法规审批等原因，大学城试运营很快暂停。不过想尝试一下的小伙伴们也不用失望，自动驾驶出租车的体验目前转移至广州生物岛，这也是自动驾驶技术提供方文远知行的“大本营”。目前，白云公司接受市民电话预约免费试乘。

Guangzhou residents can now call to book a self-driving taxi ride on Biotech Island (生物岛) free of charge.

The trial operation of a self-driving taxi was officially launched on November 1 at Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center. However, due to road conditions and certain traffic regulations, the operator, Baiyun Company of Guangzhou Bus Group, had to temporarily suspend the running of the taxi. Meanwhile, though, the bus group is now allowing early adopters to have a try of the vehicle on Biotech Island for free.

A notice released by the Traffic Bureau of Panyu District said that certain security hazards may exist if the self-driving taxi is put into operation without the improvement of relevant laws and regulations, technical support, and better road environment. Given these considerations, the initial operation was suspended until it is reevaluated and approved by relevant departments.

Baiyun Company attributes the relocation of the free taxi service to two reasons. One is the heavy load of shared bikers outside the metro station of Higher Education Mega Center North had a negative impact on the ride experience. The other is the operation was affecting the normal driving of other cars and the travel of students.

A technical expert for the company said that when the taxi is running, a laser radar sensor and camera on its roof act as the "eyes" of the vehicle and convey the surrounding situation to an on-board computer. The computer will instantly make an analysis and output instructions to control the car. The self-driving taxi can detect activities within 200 meters.

Information about making an appointment

Method

You can make an appointment at this time only by calling 020-83600000.

Location

The road along the International Service Apartment on Biotech Island (生物岛).

Time

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., every Monday to Friday

Duration

About 10 to 15 minutes