On April 29 at 19:00, the "Yangcheng Smart Bus Cultural Tourism Demonstration Line" commenced trial operations along Dongfeng Road in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. This route marks the first autonomous bus service to operate on major thoroughfares within Guangzhou's central urban area, with daily service hours from 19:00 to 21:00. The route follows a loop pattern, with both the starting and ending points situated at the Meidong Road Terminal in Yuexiu District. It traverses various landmarks including Dongjun Plaza, Yuexiu Bridge, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, spanning a total distance of approximately 13.6 kilometers and taking roughly 55 minutes for a one-way journey.
During the trial phase, a fleet of 4 smart buses and 1 standby bus will be deployed, ensuring a bus departs every 20 minutes. Each smart bus, equipped with a safety officer, accommodates up to 6 seated passengers without standing room. The regular fare for this service is set at 10 yuan per person, but during the trial period, passengers can enjoy a discounted fare of 5 yuan per person without the need for reservations. Residents are invited to experience this pioneering autonomous bus service along Dongfeng Road during the specified operating hours.
