On July 8, a Baidu-owned "Apollo Go" self-driving taxi in Wuhan, Hubei province, was reported to have collided with a person riding an electric bike at an intersection while making a left turn. The incident, captured on video, caused significant traffic congestion.
While this might be considered a routine traffic accident elsewhere, the involvement of a "self-driving taxi" raises unique questions about accountability. With no human driver at the wheel, it remains unclear who should be held responsible for the accident—a determination awaiting the traffic police's assessment.
Baidu has deployed 1,000 Apollo Go self-driving taxis in Wuhan, amassing 5 million orders as an increasing number of passengers opt for autonomous rides. Self-driving technology is rapidly becoming a hallmark of Wuhan, positioning the city to be a global leader in autonomous driving.
This shift affects not only traditional taxis but also ride-hailing services. With a finite number of passengers in the market, the introduction of self-driving taxis means fewer passengers for traditional and ride-hailing drivers. Self-driving taxis have a significant advantage in cost; a 6-kilometer ride costs just 4 yuan, compared to around 15-16 yuan for ride-hailing services and even more for traditional taxis. This price disparity has sparked protests from many of Wuhan's taxi and ride-hailing drivers.
For passengers, the choice is clear: they are likely to opt for the cheaper, quieter, and cleaner self-driving taxis, which do not detour unnecessarily or refuse rides or inflate prices mid-journey.
Would you dare to ride in a self-driving taxi? What are your thoughts on the rise of autonomous taxis? Welcome to comment below and tell us your perspectives.
