Yandex, the Russian tech giant, has recently announced the launch of a pilot self-driving taxi service in the popular Black Sea resort city of Sochi. The company plans to test 20 autonomous cars in the Sirius urban settlement, one of the busiest areas in the city.
As part of the trial, these self-driving vehicles will transport passengers to various locations such as Sirius University, Sochi Park, the Delta and Gamma Sirius hotels, and Olympic Prospect. The purpose of this pilot program is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of self-driving taxis in real-world scenarios.
To participate in the test, potential customers have been invited to register through the Yandex website. Once registered, they will have the opportunity to call a robotaxi using the Yandex Go app. However, due to current Russian laws, a human supervisor will be required to supervise the algorithm-piloted car at all times.
Yandex anticipates an increase in the demand for unmanned taxi services in Sochi, particularly due to the growing number of tourists visiting the city. The company aims to leverage the data and experience gained from this pilot program to provide a safer and more efficient transportation solution.
This initiative in Sochi builds upon Yandex’s previous deployment of self-driving taxis in Innopolis, a campus town in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan. Since 2018, residents of Innopolis have taken over 60,000 rides using these autonomous vehicles. The success of the self-driving taxi service in Innopolis demonstrates Yandex’s expertise and knowledge in this field.
Furthermore, Yandex recently launched an unmanned taxi service in Yasenevo, one of Moscow’s largest districts. All robotaxi trips in Yasenevo are priced at 100 rubles ($1). This affordable pricing strategy aims to encourage more people to experience self-driving taxis and contribute to the development of this technology.
The expansion of self-driving taxi services by Yandex indicates the company’s commitment to innovation and its pursuit of cutting-edge technologies. By providing autonomous transportation solutions, Yandex seeks to enhance the convenience and efficiency of urban mobility, ultimately benefiting both residents and tourists.
In conclusion, Yandex’s pilot self-driving taxi service in Sochi marks another significant step in the development of autonomous transportation in Russia. With the growing demand for unmanned taxis and the company’s experience in deploying self-driving vehicles in other locations, Yandex aims to shape the future of transportation and revolutionize the way people travel within cities.
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