The news never stops, whether in tourism or other sectors. It’s easy to miss important developments that might interest us. That’s why we regularly revisit recent news stories to highlight them again.
A National Priority
Although their public deployment is quite recent, dating back only to 2023, what we call “autonomous taxis” – driverless vehicles – are gaining momentum and attracting interest from multiple countries and municipalities worldwide. So far, only the United States and China have truly taken the leap with public services.
But things are moving fast. Beyond those still testing like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, China is thinking big about the future in this field, as it often does. The country has made autonomous vehicles a “national priority” and envisions having up to 300,000 “robo-taxis” (5% of the country’s taxi fleet) on the streets of its major cities by 2030, including Beijing and Shanghai. This would significantly leverage China’s advances in Artificial Intelligence and its dynamic automotive industry, backed by government support and ambitions to “conquer” the world. This should perhaps concern Europe before it’s too late…
Key Milestones for Autonomous Taxis
- 1980s-90s: From fiction to reality. In the US, various projects and universities developed first prototypes and conducted experiments with short trips using driverless vehicles.
- 2000s-2010s: Still driven by American universities, autonomous vehicles became more sophisticated, with better capabilities and the ability to navigate all types of terrain. This attracted new investors and tech giants.
- 2009-2015: The period when Google and its subsidiary Waymo launched and developed their autonomous car program. This led to first prototypes being tested on California roads, albeit with a human safety driver on board.
- 2020: The key date for commercializing driverless rides to the general public. Waymo was authorized to operate its autonomous taxis in a small section of Phoenix, Arizona, before doing the same in San Francisco two years later.
- 2023: A new acceleration with expanded possibilities in California and especially China launching its first driverless taxis in several cities.
- 2025-2030: Five years that should see autonomous taxis truly develop in the US with new operators like Tesla, in China (with those 300,000 expected vehicles), and possibly even in Europe – at least for the latter if overly strict regulations don’t hinder the expansion of this technology.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
