Ontime, Pony.ai partner with Shenzhen Qianhai authorities for autonomous ride-hailing pilot program

Beijing (Gasgoo)- Ontime, the mobility service platform backed by GAC Group, and autonomous driving solution developer Pony.ai, have signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone Management Bureau on June 16. 

Signing ceremony; photo credit: Ontime

The three parties will collaborate on a pilot program for commercial autonomous ride-hailing operations in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, aiming to provide citizens with safe, convenient, green, and technological travel services, while jointly promoting the high-quality development of Shenzhen's intelligent connected vehicle industry.

According to the agreement, the three parties will jointly implement a globally significant pilot project for fully unmanned autonomous driving commercial operations within the Qianhai Cooperation Zone. The operational scope will cover areas such as cultural and tourist attractions, business CBD districts, exhibition centers, airports, etc., in the core area of Qianhai. 

Ontime Robotaxi; photo credit: Ontime

As the smart mobility platform under GAC Group, Ontime, with the support of the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, will collaborate with Pony.ai to establish a professional operational team. They will explore a multi-party collaborative operation model for commercialization and provide autonomous ride-hailing services to Qianhai residents. 

By focusing on management systems, division of responsibilities, human resources, operational services, and safety supervision, they will enhance the operational capabilities of autonomous ride-hailing services. This partnership aims to accumulate operational experience for the large-scale application of autonomous driving.

Additionally, the three parties will strive to establish a comprehensive coordination mechanism across departments, industries, and domains, supporting the formulation and improvement of Shenzhen's intelligent connected vehicle standards. The trio will facilitate exchanges and cooperation between the intelligent connected vehicle industries in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, promote technology innovation and business model sharing.