Singapore-based transport giant ComfortDelGro has officially launched its first robotaxi pilot programme in Guangzhou, China, marking a significant step toward the commercial adoption of autonomous ride-hailing services.

The two-year pilot, introduced on March 17, is being conducted in collaboration with Pony.ai, a leading autonomous driving technology firm. Pony.ai has previously spearheaded autonomous driving initiatives in countries such as South Korea, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

ComfortDelGro and Pony.ai formalized their partnership in July last year, with the aim of scaling up robotaxi operations.

“This pilot programme represents a major milestone in commercializing autonomous taxi services. The initiative will allow us to develop and refine our capabilities in autonomous vehicle operations and fleet management, paving the way for future large-scale deployments in China and beyond.”

ComfortDelGro revealed that they will initially focus on the trial on a small fleet of Lexus RX450 vehicles, before other vehicle models are introduced over the course of programme.

ComfortDelGro's investment into autonomous innovation

ComfortDelGro has been actively investing in autonomous vehicle technology. In 2022, the company launched its Autonomous Vehicle Centre of Excellence, a S$30 million (US$22.5 million) initiative dedicated to enhancing autonomous vehicle operations and fleet management expertise.

According to ComfortDelGro’s Managing Director and Group CEO, Cheng Siak Kian, autonomous technology is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the transport industry.

“With global driver shortages becoming a persistent challenge, we are exploring innovative solutions to maintain accessible and efficient mobility. Autonomous vehicles can complement human drivers, improving ride availability during off-peak hours and in underserved areas.”

Strategic collaboration for global expansion

Pony.ai’s Chief Financial Officer, Leo Wang, emphasized that strategic partnerships are essential for expanding autonomous mobility services worldwide.

“To achieve large-scale deployment, we need strong partners to support our global expansion. ComfortDelGro’s extensive experience in large-scale fleet management makes them an ideal collaborator, and we are confident that both teams will learn and grow together through this partnership.”

This latest initiative signals a strong push toward autonomous transport solutions, with ComfortDelGro and Pony.ai working together to shape the future of urban mobility.