Chinese tech giant Baidu Inc is authorized to provide paid robotaxi services in Yangquan, North China's Shanxi province starting Sunday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yangquan, a city in the eastern part of North China's Shanxi province, has become China's first to carry out autonomous driving in all of its administrative areas.

The city is working with technology companies such as Baidu Inc to make progress toward the commercial operation of self-driving vehicles and the concentration of related industries. 

It has planned three test lines for autonomous buses. Since December 2021, Yangquan has completed the commissioning of the Dalian Road-Pingyang Road autonomous driving section after overcoming technical difficulties brought about by large slopes and complex traffic conditions. The section will soon open to the public for test rides in self-driving vehicles.

According to Lei Jiankun, Party secretary of Yangquan, the city will strengthen cooperation with leading tech companies such as Baidu and Neolix Technologies Co to promote the implementation of autonomous driving travel services and autonomous driving commercial operations and form a full-scene autonomous driving demonstration application system.

Residents of the city can currently check routes, running time, stations and other information related to self-driving buses through travel apps and take rides for free by registering.

In the future, Yangquan's self-driving buses will provide users with transportation services from parking lots to office buildings, residential quarters, administrative office centers and other places, making commuting easier, reducing traffic congestion and parking issues, and providing a more intelligent, safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.