How to get a ride?
Passengers can call a taxi through the “Apollo Go” WeChat Mini Programs or APP, enter the designated pick-up and drop-off locations, and wait for the taxi to be dispatched.
Once the taxi arrives, passengers can open the rear door by entering the four-digit authentication code on the window screen, then touch the “Start” button on the screen in front of the seats to start the journey.
On board, you can enjoy music, check the route, and connect to customer support service.
At the end of the journey, payment can be made electronically based on the amount displayed.
Is it safe?
In Mainland China, due to policy and safety considerations, autonomous ride-hailing platforms like “Apollo Go” are required to have remote driving safety operator who can monitor vehicle status remotely to ensure safety.
Each safety operator are responsible for 1 to 3 vehicles in each certain area. Passengers can also contact the safety staff at any time through the SOS function on the screen.
“Apollo Go” remote driving safety operator can monitor vehicle status in remote control center to ensure safety.
Why is it popular?
Users have shared their experiences of using autonomous ride-hailing services in social media, highlighting advantage such as no detours or be denied boarding, a smoke-free environment, quietness, and avoiding awkward conversations with drivers, and no worries about personal safety when women traveling at night.
How are the prices?
Affordable pricing is a significant reason why many people choose “Apollo Go.” The platform eliminates driver costs and high platform fees.
According to reports from the 21st Century Business Herald, the unit price per kilometer for “Apollo Go” is only about three-quarters of traditional taxis and ride-hailing services.
With Baidu’s subsidies, prices can even drop to half that of regular ride-hailing services. For example, a 10-kilometer ride in Wuhan costs only 4 to 16 RMB, significantly lower than the 18 to 30 RMB of traditional services.
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The First Commercial Pilot Enterprise
“Apollo Go” started test operations in 2019, officially launched in 2021, and initiated commercial pilot services in Wuhan in 2022, becoming the first autonomous driving commercial pilot in Mainland China.
According to Baidu’s official data, “Apollo Go” has accumulated over 6 million service orders and has surpassed 100 million kilometers of testing mileage. In the first quarter of 2024, the service provided approximately 826,000 rides, a year-on-year growth of 25%.
As of July 2024, “Apollo Go” has operational testing services in 11 cities in Mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Changsha, Hefei, Yangquan, and Wuzhen. It has also started testing fully autonomous driving services in Beijing, Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
Baidu plans to expand “Apollo Go” coverage throughout Wuhan by 2024, deploying 1,000 autonomous vehicles for operation.
