Self-driving minibuses run in Xishan district of Wuxi on Dec 25. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]
A total of six intelligent networked self-driving minibuses started trail operations in Xishan district of Wuxi on Dec 25.
One minibus can carry up to eight passengers and one safety officer at a time. Two technical coordination support vehicles will work simultaneously with the minibuses.
The minibuses will open to the public on Jan 1, 2022, providing services for three routes - from Zhaqiao Shanyunjiayuan to Zhaqiao Station on metro line 2 and from Yingbin Square Station on metro line 2 to Shui'anjiayuan or Runfuli.
The daily departure timetable for each line will be set automatically with reference to the subways' arrival time that day. The minibuses will not make stops during travel.
Passengers who wish to take self-driving minibuses can scan the QR code at designated bus stations to select and book routes and show their booking code before boarding. The WeChat mini app "锡东新城自动驾驶小巴" will also provide such reservation services.
Xidong New City, a core development zone in Xishan district, has completed the transformation and upgrading of its roads to realize the full coverage of intelligent networking over the 45-square-kilometer area.
Xidong New City is also accelerating its efforts to create an "autonomous driving city" by implemting relevant policies, test licenses, and the construction of test roads.
A safety officer sits in the driver's seat of a self-driving minibus. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]
Passengers can wait at the Yingbin Square Station to take self-driving minibuses starting Jan 1, 2020. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]
