China is experiencing a transportation metamorphosis driven by the rapid growth of automated public transit. From driverless subway cars gliding beneath bustling city streets to electric buses silently navigating urban corridors, the nation is embracing automation to tackle transportation challenges and create a more sustainable future. Recent data reveals the impressive scale of this transformation and its significant impact on the economy and the environment.

The Rise of the Robots: Automated Vehicles Take Center Stage

Extensive Road Testing: As of August 2024, 32,000 kilometers of roads have been designated for AV testing, and 16,000 test licenses have been issued nationwide. Nineteen cities are currently testing robotaxis and robo-buses, with nine automakers recently receiving approval to test advanced automated driving technologies on public roads.

 

• Automated Trains: China boasts the world’s most extensive high-speed rail network, with over 42,000 kilometers of track serviced by automated or semi-automated trains. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have fully automated metro systems. For instance, the Beijing Subway’s Yanfang Line and Shanghai’s Metro Line 10 are fully automated, with driverless trains operating at high frequencies.

 

• Automated Buses: Automated buses are still in the pilot phase but are rapidly expanding. Cities such as Shenzhen, Beijing, and Chongqing have introduced autonomous electric buses. Shenzhen, for example, has deployed over 50 autonomous buses as part of its smart city initiatives.
• Autonomous taxis： Sixteen Chinese cities are currently testing robot taxis, with tech giants like Baidu, startups WeRide and Pony.ai, and e-commerce leader JD.com all competing in this burgeoning market. As of the end of July 2024, Baidu’s autonomous taxis alone have provided over 7 million rides to the public. Additionally, this rapid expansion is supported by substantial infrastructure development, with public security authorities having issued 16,000 autonomous vehicle testing plates and opened more public roads for testing.

Pilot Programs and Infrastructure: The government’s selection of 20 cities for a “smart connected vehicles” pilot program underscores its commitment to developing necessary roadside infrastructure and cloud-based control platforms.

• Major City-Specific Progress:
  • Wuhan: Nearly 500 autonomous taxis (with safety supervisors) operate in Wuhan, representing about 1% of the city’s total taxi fleet. Baidu aims to deploy 1,000 robotaxis by the end of 2024.
  • Guangzhou: Over 1,980 km of testing roads, including 260 km of expressways, are available. Autonomous ride-hailing services (Apollo Go and Pony.ai) operate 50 autonomous buses across 10 routes and have served over 1 million passengers.
  • Beijing: Over 1,160 km of public roads are open for trials, with 384 approved vehicles. Automated shuttle services operate between the airport and the Yizhuang area.
  • Shanghai: Over 2,000 km of roads are available for AV testing, with 794 approved vehicles. Robotaxi services are planned for the Pudong financial district.
  • Shenzhen: 944 km of public roads, including 67 km of highways, are open for testing. Autonomous minibusses are being deployed for public transport.

Green Miles: Environmental and Economic Benefits

The benefits of this automation push are numerous. Beyond increased efficiency and convenience, the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles significantly reduces the nation’s carbon footprint. Electric buses and trains alone have cut annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 5 million tons. Even hybrid buses, which still use some diesel, show a 30% reduction in emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered buses. This environmental advantage is a key part of China’s broader sustainability initiatives.

The economic impact is also significant. The average cost per trip on automated public transport is just RMB 2 (USD 0.3), making it a far more affordable option than private vehicles. This affordability, combined with the expanding network, makes automated transit an attractive alternative for commuters, reducing traffic congestion and boosting economic productivity.

Driving Force: Technology, Investment, and Public Awareness

Several factors, including substantial government investment, rapid technological advancements, and increasing public awareness of environmental issues, drive the success of China’s automated transit revolution. The China Autonomous Vehicles Market is Forecast to Reach $31.60 Billion by 2030.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard China Country Manager Vincent Mao.

 

Learn More References

China Railway Corporation. (2023). High-Speed Rail Network Expansion.

Shenzhen Municipal Transportation Bureau. (2023). Autonomous Bus Pilot Program.

Baijiahao. (2024). Current Status and Trends of Autonomous Public Transportation Development in China. Retrieved from https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1808532520712662033&wfr=spider&for=pc

Liu, S. (2024, November 19). China’s self-driving taxis. Marketplace. Retrieved from https://www.marketplace.org/2024/11/19/chinese-self-driving-taxis-cars-wuhan-beijing-china-robot-cab/

China Autonomous Vehicles Market Forecast to Reach at $31.60 Billion by 2030. (2024-03-05). GlobeNewswire. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/03/05/2840683/28124/en/China-Autonomous-Vehicles-Market-Forecast-to-Reach-at-31-60-Billion-by-2030-Key-Players-are-AutoX-Baidu-Apollo-Didi-Chuxing-Pony-ai-TuSimple-and-WeRide.html