Inside Scoop: Did Wuhan Really Deploy 1,000 'LuoBo Kuaipao' Vehicles? Official Numbers Remain Under Wraps!

The Future of Autonomous Driving: Baidu's Apollo Go Sparks Controversy

On the afternoon of July 10, Baidu's autonomous driving service, Apollo Go, ignited a heated discussion on Weibo. Many users expressed their concerns that as autonomous driving technology becomes more widespread, ride-hailing services and traditional taxis could largely transition to driverless operations within the next five to ten years, putting current drivers at risk of job displacement. Some commentators predict that eliminating the driver's salary could lead to significant reductions in fares—potentially even halving current rates. Additionally, autonomous vehicles are expected to eliminate issues such as refusals to pick up passengers and detours, making them more appealing to the public, despite pushback from existing drivers.

In response to accusations that Apollo Go threatens the jobs of ride-hailing and taxi drivers, Baidu has yet to issue a formal statement. However, insiders have indicated that the company has not publicly confirmed the number of autonomous taxis deployed in cities like Wuhan, and claims that "Apollo Go has deployed 1,000 vehicles in Wuhan" remain unverified.

Reports indicate that by the end of 2023, Wuhan had surpassed 3,378.73 kilometers of autonomous driving test roads, spanning 12 districts and serving more than ten million residents, establishing itself as one of the largest autonomous driving service areas globally.

As of the first quarter of 2024, Apollo Go had provided a total of six million public ride services nationwide, with fully autonomous orders in Wuhan already exceeding 55%, and climbing to 70% by April. This figure is expected to surge towards 100% in the upcoming quarters.

The rise of autonomous driving is reshaping transportation patterns, bringing about changes that will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the traditional transportation industry.