WeRide Debuts First Fare-charging Level-4 Robobus Service in the Heart of Guangzhou

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) has launched its first fare-charging Level-4 autonomous robobus service in central Guangzhou, China. The service operates on a 13.6km loop route connecting major landmarks, with each journey taking approximately 55 minutes. The robobuses, carrying up to six passengers, operate daily from 7pm to 9pm and charge 10 RMB per ticket (50% discounted during trial). WeRide has been operating robobuses since 2022 and received China's first commercial robobus license in December 2023. The company has also expanded internationally, launching driverless commercial services in France in February 2025 and currently operates in multiple markets including Switzerland, Singapore, and Japan.

Positive

• First commercial Level-4 autonomous bus service in Guangzhou's downtown area, demonstrating technological leadership
• Successful expansion into international markets including France, Switzerland, Singapore, and Japan
• Obtained China's first commercial license for robobus operations in December 2023
• Three years of proven safe operational experience since 2022

Negative

• Limited operating hours (only 2 hours daily from 7pm to 9pm)
• Small passenger capacity (maximum 6 passengers per bus)
• Currently operating in trial phase with 50% discounted fares, indicating early-stage commercialization

WeRide launches paid commercial Level-4 robobus service in central Guangzhou (Source: Guangzhou Daily)

GUANGZHOU, China, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has launched a paid commercial service with its Level-4 robobus in central Guangzhou. This marks the city's first fare-charging autonomous bus line in its downtown core — a significant step toward mass commercialization of WeRide's Level-4 autonomous vehicles.

As one of the world's largest cities, Guangzhou faces some of the most complex and congested urban traffic conditions. Its dense population and heavy vehicle volume pose challenges for traditional transportation systems. Despite this, WeRide's robobus navigates the city's busiest routes with ease, delivering a safe, comfortable, and efficient mini-bus service for passengers.

This driverless robobus route covers 13.6km in a loop, starting and ending at Meidong Road Terminal in Yuexiu District, with a full journey taking about 55 minutes. The route connects key landmarks of Guangzhou such as Dongjun Plaza, Yuexiu Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Municipal Trade Union), and Guangdong Building. Each robobus carries up to six passengers and operates daily from 7pm to 9pm, smoothly handling the night environment. Tickets are priced at 10 RMB, with a 50% discount during the trial period. Passengers can board using the local Yang Cheng Tong transit card or mobile payment methods.

With this launch, WeRide successfully expands the commercialization of its Level-4 autonomous driving technology in one of China's most demanding urban environments — paving the way for broader deployment in other major cities.

Since 2022, WeRide has been operating robobuses in open-road scenarios, accumulating three years of safe operational experience and tech competence. In December 2023, WeRide obtained China's first commercial license for robobus operations in Huangpu District, Guangzhou.

Meanwhile, WeRide continues to expand its international presence. In February 2025, the company launched the first fully driverless commercial robobus deployment in Europe, partnering with beti, Renault Group, and Macif in France's Drôme region. A month later, WeRide and beti acquired France's Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit. Today, WeRide's robobuses are operating commercially across multiple international markets, including China, France, Switzerland, Singapore, and Japan.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. The company operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries, holding driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services that address a vast array of transportation needs across a diverse range of urban use cases across mobility, logistics, and sanitation. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

Press Enquiries:
pr@weride.ai

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca347237-cb18-41f3-b250-d3529748664e

FAQ

What is the fare for WeRide's autonomous robobus service in Guangzhou?

The regular fare is 10 RMB per ticket, with a 50% discount during the trial period. Passengers can pay using Yang Cheng Tong transit card or mobile payment methods.

What route does WeRide's autonomous robobus cover in Guangzhou?

The robobus covers a 13.6km loop route starting from Meidong Road Terminal in Yuexiu District, connecting landmarks like Dongjun Plaza, Yuexiu Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Guangdong Building.

What are the operating hours of WeRide's robobus service?

The robobus service operates daily from 7pm to 9pm, handling night environment conditions.

In which countries does WeRide operate its autonomous robobus services?

WeRide operates its robobus services in multiple international markets including China, France, Switzerland, Singapore, and Japan.

When did WeRide receive its commercial license for robobus operations in China?

WeRide obtained China's first commercial license for robobus operations in Huangpu District, Guangzhou, in December 2023.