Beijing's first autonomous driving bus education line was launched in the Beijing E-Town on Mar 20. The bus provides shuttle services for faculty members commuting between the two campuses of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University in Beijing E-Town. 

Two autonomous driving buses [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

The line was planned and supported by the Beijing Autonomous Driving Office, the Social Affairs Bureau, and the Urban Operations Bureau of Beijing E-Town, and was operated by QCraft.

It was established because the High School Affiliated to Renmin University has two campuses in Beijing E-Town, requiring faculty members to commute between the two campuses, which are about 8 kilometers apart. 

Passengers need an invitation code to ride on the line. The operating time is from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.

A faculty member scans the QR bar to get on the autonomous driving bus. [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

The Beijing Autonomous Driving Office has issued the city's first intelligent network-connected bus management implementation rules since March 2022, and road test licenses have been issued to enterprises. 

Since then, Beijing E-Town has opened the first autonomous driving bus demonstration application route, the "Yangfan Line". 

The safety personnel sitting on the autonomous driving bus [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

So far, 17 autonomous driving test companies have been connected to Beijing E-Town, and eight application scenarios -- including intelligent network-connected passenger vehicles, intelligent network-connected bus services, unmanned retail, unmanned distribution, and unmanned shuttle buses -- have been implemented.

The principal of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University in Beijing E-Town said that the opening of the special line not only facilitates the commute of teachers but also enables the students to increase their curiosity about science and technology. The autonomous driving bus education line meets the real needs of schools.

The safety of the operation is a major concern for everyone. During the vehicle's operation, there is a safety personnel sitting in the driver's seat who will not touch the steering wheel unless there is an emergency.