Chongqing- The intelligent driving feeder service of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport officially began operations on September 7, offering citizens and travelers a new and efficient travel experience.
The intelligent driving new energy vehicle awaited passengers at Terminal 2 of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport on September 7, 2023. (Photo/ Luo Bin)
Offering efficient transit between Terminals
The first batch of these routes runs round-trips from Novotel Chongqing Airport to either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. The autonomous driving tech was up to the mark; the shuttle taxi automatically stopped at red lights and skillfully navigated obstacles, ensuring a smooth journey.
A safety officer accompanies each high-tech taxi to ensure safety further. Once the vehicle enters the autonomous driving zone, the officer activates the respective driving mode without human intervention.
A safety officer ensured the safety of the intelligent driving car on September 7, 2023, at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/ Luo Bin)
Travelers can expect a five-minute ride from Novotel Chongqing Airport to Terminal 3 and approximately 15 minutes to Terminal 2.
This major development follows the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport's procurement of rights for six intelligent driving roads earlier in August. These include Airport East Road, Hangbin Avenue, Xiang'an Road, and Airport West Road.
With these rights in hand, the airport rolled out the "Airport Changan Intelligent Driving Robotaxi," an intelligent driving shuttle service test. For those curious about this next-generation transportation, reservations can be made via the "Changan Intelligent Driving" WeChat mini program.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels of driving automation ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous). The self-driving robotaxi stands at SAE automation level 4 or 5.
Last July, robotaxis were put into commercial operation in the Yongchuan District of Chongqing. The white Baidu Apollo robotaxis is capable of level 4 autonomous driving, meaning the vehicle can drive autonomously in most conditions without a human driver.
Intelligent driving ecosystem within the public spaces
Li Yafei, Deputy Manager of the Garden Department at Chongqing Airport Group Park Development Branch, said, "We aim to deepen our collaboration with Changan Automobile to explore wider applications of intelligent driving."
Li continued, "This includes the possibility of 'intelligent minibusses' and 'intelligent buses' connecting Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and exploring driverless road sweepers, unmanned delivery vehicles, and unmanned vending services."
On September 7, 2023, The intelligent driving new energy vehicle traveled on the road. (Photo/ Luo Bin)
Li also mentioned an innovative vision for the airport to attract more intelligent driving test service providers, thereby establishing an intelligent driving ecosystem within the public spaces of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
With these steps, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is enhancing the traveler's experience and positioning itself as a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday operations.