WeRide Launches Driverless Robobus Service in France

WeRide has announced the first fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus in Europe, as stated in a press release. The service, a collaboration with beti, Renault Group, and Macif, will operate in France's Drôme region.

The Robobus service will feature Level 4 autonomous technology, providing passenger transport on open roads in mixed traffic. Several six-meter-long robobuses, each capable of carrying eight passengers, will be operated by beti Automated Mobility. The service is set to begin on March 10 at the Rovaltain business park near the Valence TGV station.

The route spans 3.3 km, connecting the train station, off-site long-term parking, the business park's catering hub, and 150 companies employing 3,000 people. This initiative aims to offer flexible mobility solutions and promote sustainable last-mile transport.

The initial learning phase will run from March 10 to April 19, operating Monday to Friday under real passenger transport conditions. A second phase is planned to start in July, further demonstrating the service's relevance and the technology's safety and efficiency.