Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY) stock soared more than 30% on Friday as the company unveiled a groundbreaking milestone in autonomous driving. The firm became the first to launch paid robotaxi services connecting Guangzhou’s bustling city center to two of China’s busiest transportation hubs, igniting a surge of investor excitement.
Pony AI announced the start of its robotaxi operations, offering rides from multiple locations in Guangzhou’s downtown area to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Guangzhou South Railway Station. The company is the only entity authorized to operate on these high-demand routes, securing a significant first-mover advantage. Riders can now book a Pony.ai vehicle through the PonyPilot App, with fares set to match standard Guangzhou taxi rates, ensuring affordability alongside innovation.
The new service promises a convenient and efficient travel option for residents and tourists alike. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has topped the charts as China’s busiest airport for passenger volume for four consecutive years since 2020. Meanwhile, Guangzhou South Railway Station recorded more than 170 million passengers in 2024, making it the nation’s most active high-speed rail hub. By linking these critical transit points to the city center, Pony AI demonstrates its ability to deploy advanced technology in some of the most dynamic and challenging urban environments.
“Our latest expansion in Guangzhou marks another major step in making autonomous mobility a part of everyday life,” said Dr. James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai. “By offering autonomous rides from the heart of the city to key transit hubs, we’re providing practical, real-world services that meet the needs of travelers and city residents alike, solidifying Pony.ai’s status as a global leader in the large-scale commercialization of autonomous mobility.”
Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY) isn’t starting from scratch. The company already operates paid robotaxi services to and from Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing South Railway Station. This latest expansion in Guangzhou, covering both the city center and its key transit hubs, builds on that momentum and marks another leap forward in its mission to commercialize autonomous mobility.
