(Yicai Global) April 13 -- Beijing, which is leading China in the testing of autonomous driving, is to start making certain routes available for fee-charging, self-driving vehicles as part of a large-scale trial operation of commercial services.

Certified driverless taxis, buses and logistics vehicles will be allowed to do business along certain roads within the Yizhuang Development Zone, near Beijing Daxing International Airport as well as on 143 kilometers of highways, the Beijing Daily reported today, citing Kong Lei, deputy director of the administrative committee of the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area.

Their fees will be nominal in the first instance, making them cheaper than regular services, Kong said. Regulators still need to set the standards for future charges, he added.

In previous unmanned tests, there was still a driver present. This pilot will allow the safety drivers to be gradually phased out, Kong said. First they will be moved to the front passenger seat from the driver’s seat, then moved to the back and eventually will be completely removed should the self-driving autos meet all standards and have no accidents, he added.

The Chongqing municipality in southwestern China has also just announced that it will start similar trials. Three buses with Level 4 autonomous driving technology, which enables a vehicle to handle most of the driving by itself without human intervention, will drive a 10-kilometer bus route at speeds of up to 60 kilometers an hour. They will service five stops and local residents can make an appointment online to book a seat.

Editor: Kim Taylor