China grants first driverless taxi permits to Baidu, Pony.ai

A Baidu Apollo Robotaxi passes its customer service counter setup at the Shougang Park in Beijing, on Sunday, May 2, 2021. China has granted Chinese internet services company Baidu and a rival autonomous car company, Pony.ai, permits to provide driverless ride-hailing services to the public in Beijing, a significant regulatory step in the country's pursuit of driverless technology. — AP

BEIJING: China has granted Chinese Internet services company Baidu and a rival autonomous car company, Pony.ai, permits to provide driverless ride-hailing services to the public in Beijing, a significant regulatory step in the country’s pursuit of driverless technology.

The permits given to Baidu and Pony.ai allow them to offer rides without a safety driver behind the wheel to take over in cases of an emergency. The new permits still require a safety supervisor to be seated in the front passenger seat.