Latest news with #ridehailing
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla's Robotaxis Won't Be Driving Alone — Humans Will Be Watching
Tesla plans to launch its first autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin next month. But behind the scenes, human operators will be keeping the cars in check. Tesla's self-driving dream is getting human backup Tesla's long-promised fleet of self-driving robotaxis is finally arriving — sort of. CEO Elon Musk says the company will launch a small pilot of driverless Model Ys in Austin, Texas, by the end of June. But rather than letting the cars roam entirely on their own, Tesla is quietly hiring human teleoperators to monitor and, if necessary, take control of the vehicles remotely. 0:01 / 0:09 2025 Nissan Z undercuts Toyota Supra by a surprising amount Watch More This hybrid approach isn't unusual in the autonomous vehicle industry, but it stands in contrast to Tesla's public messaging around 'Full Self-Driving.' While Musk has long dismissed the need for external sensors like LIDAR and radar, calling Tesla's camera-based AI system sufficient, the company is still relying on human assistance to address real-world challenges. Remote operators will ensure safety, for now Investment analysts at Morgan Stanley recently confirmed that Tesla is relying heavily on human oversight, citing visits to the company's Palo Alto office. Several job postings back this up, including roles for 'Teleoperation' engineers who will help create tools that allow humans to see what the car sees and intervene when things go wrong. Tesla will use its Model Y as a launching platform for its robotaxi tech. — Source: Tesla These workers won't just be steering stuck robotaxis from afar. Tesla says they'll also help build the user interface that connects remote humans with onboard AI — essentially shaping the collaboration between man and machine. Still no safety data, and regulators are watching Tesla hasn't yet released safety data for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, which is still under federal scrutiny. Both Autopilot and FSD have been linked to hundreds of crashes, including some fatal ones. The company maintains that its approach will prove safer than human drivers in the long run, but for now, it's taking extra precautions. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Austin rollout will start with just 10 vehicles and be limited to an invite-only group of users. Musk says Tesla plans to scale up to 1,000 robotaxis within a few months, assuming the pilot runs smoothly. Tesla Model Y, equipped with FSD system. Three front-facing cameras under the windshield near rear view mirror. — Source: Mark Leong/TheHuman-in-the-loop is becoming the norm Waymo/Hyundai IONIQ 5 — Source: Waymo Tesla's teleoperation setup now looks surprisingly similar to what Waymo, a longtime autonomous driving competitor, already uses. Waymo employs 'fleet response agents' who step in when its cars get confused. Tesla's version may go even further, using virtual reality rigs and custom software to give operators a real-time view and control of the car's surroundings. Final thoughts Tesla's upcoming robotaxi rollout may mark a major milestone for the company, but it also underscores how far we still are from truly autonomous driving. Despite bold claims and years of promises, even Tesla is leaning on human intervention to make its system viable in the real world. That's not necessarily a setback; it's a pragmatic step. As the line between autonomy and remote assistance blurs, Tesla joins a growing list of companies accepting that 'self-driving' often still requires a safety net. Whether this hybrid model is a short-term bridge or a long-term necessity remains to be seen. For now, the road to autonomy still has a human hand on the wheel, just not inside the car.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Zed ride-hailing platform: How is it redefining mobility in UAE
Image credit: Supplied In a city defined by ambition, scale, and relentless innovation, Dubai's urban mobility landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution—one that's rooted not in disruption for disruption's sake, but in deep, human-centered design. At the heart of this shift is Read- While global mobility giants dominate much of the international narrative, Zed is building something different: a transportation experience that feels unmistakably Dubai—efficient, personalised, empathetic, and future-ready. 'We're not just moving people,' says Badr Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair Mobility. 'We're helping move Dubai toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.' Rethinking mobility: Platform built around the rider Zed's innovation lies not just in what it offers, but in how it thinks. Designed as a next-generation ride-hailing platform, Zed combines a wide variety of transport options—licensed taxis, premium limousines, multi-stop journeys—with a layer of personalization previously missing in urban commuting. Every ride can be tailored to the rider's preferences: cabin temperature, preferred music, interaction level with the driver, and even scheduling recurring rides through its flagship feature, Rhythm. 'Zed isn't a replica of global solutions. We've built this platform from the ground up based on local insight and community feedback,' says Abhinav Patwa, Executive Vice President and Head of Zed. This approach allows Zed to offer what few others can: a ride that doesn't just take you somewhere—it fits your mood, your schedule, and your daily rhythm. Personal touch: Mobility that reflects individual lives The heart of Zed's differentiation lies in its belief that mobility should not be transactional—it should be personal. That philosophy is woven into the platform's DNA. The ability to fine-tune the ride experience gives commuters the autonomy they crave, without sacrificing comfort or safety. Features like choosing your preferred chauffeur interaction level address a very real need in the region. Many commuters, especially women, report discomfort with unsolicited conversations. Zed meets this need with respectful, subtle functionality that puts control in the rider's hands. 'These aren't just 'nice-to-have' options,' says Al Ghurair. 'They're born from the actual lived experiences of people in Dubai.' Cultural fluency as a competitive advantage Zed's legacy in mobility goes back over two decades through Kabi, its parent company's earlier transportation business. This deep operational and cultural understanding has shaped Zed's hyper-local approach—allowing the company to anticipate and address needs that outsiders often overlook. Case in point: Rhythm, a first-to-market feature that allows users to schedule recurring rides for daily commutes, school runs, and weekly routines. This innovation directly responds to Dubai's highly structured, time-sensitive lifestyle and has been one of the platform's biggest early successes. This focus on local relevance is not limited to features. Zed's interface, driver onboarding, communication style, and promotional campaigns are all deeply grounded in the values of Dubai's multicultural and fast-paced population. Zeddies: Drivers at the heart of the experience Zed doesn't just care for its riders—it deeply values its drivers, whom it affectionately calls Zeddies. These drivers are integral to the user experience and are treated as brand ambassadors and key stakeholders. Zed offers them performance-based incentives, recognition programs, and real-time support. Drivers also benefit from rider feedback, which helps refine both training and matching algorithms. This symbiotic relationship has helped build a culture of respect, reliability, and pride. 'When drivers feel respected, that energy translates to the rider. That's the kind of ecosystem we're building,' says Patwa. Technology with a human heart: AI, data, and design Underpinning Zed's sleek interface is a robust AI-driven backend that powers everything from predictive fleet dispatch to real-time heatmaps and route optimisation. But Zed doesn't stop at efficiency. It's also built to listen. Through ongoing analysis of customer sentiment, driver feedback, and in-app support trends, Zed evolves rapidly. Every update, every tweak is grounded in user insight, not assumption. 'We treat feedback not as a checkbox, but as our compass,' says Patwa. 'We learn just as much from what people don't say as from what they do.' Zed's tech stack enables it to make decisions quickly, iterate at speed, and adapt in real time—while keeping empathy at the center of every experience. Strategic role in Dubai's Smart City 2025 vision Zed's trajectory is tightly aligned with Dubai's Smart City 2025 vision, which champions sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive access to services. As an app-only platform, Zed eliminates the friction of legacy systems, enabling seamless integration across transportation, finance, and city services. The platform also actively contributes to environmental goals. With increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles in its fleet, and intelligent route planning that reduces emissions, Zed is helping reduce the city's carbon footprint one ride at a time. 'We don't treat sustainability as an add-on—it's embedded in our operating model,' says Al Ghurair. Zed also supports the RTA's e-hailing adoption target of 80 per cent by increasing accessibility and engagement, particularly among younger and tech-savvy commuters. Turning local challenges into strength Being a homegrown startup in a market dominated by global players comes with its set of challenges—from brand awareness to user trust. But Zed has turned these headwinds into tailwinds. Its agile structure allows for rapid iteration and community-first engagement. Where global apps might require months to implement changes, Zed can roll out updates in days based on local needs. Moreover, its early reliance on grassroots awareness campaigns and rider loyalty programs has yielded strong brand resonance and user stickiness. 'We didn't just want to get people's attention—we wanted to earn their trust,' says Patwa. Experience-driven, not transactional For Zed, user experience isn't just about app design or driver punctuality. It's about building emotional loyalty. From recognising frequent riders and high-rated drivers to launching culturally relevant promotions, Zed wants its users to feel seen and valued. Transparent pricing models, seamless in-app payment flows, and consistently reliable support are all part of this ethos. 'In Dubai, where excellence is expected, we knew our service had to feel effortless—not just work well,' Al Ghurair noted. Vision 2027: A lifestyle layer, not just a platform Zed's roadmap for the next 2–3 years includes several major expansions—both in terms of services and geography. Plans include integrating digital wallets, loyalty programs, in-app rewards, and exclusive brand partnerships that add everyday value beyond just transport. The platform's modular architecture also ensures that it can scale internationally while retaining the ability to localize meaningfully—be it in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or even emerging markets across Southeast Asia. 'We're not just expanding—we're evolving. We want to be the lifestyle layer that enhances every part of your day,' says Patwa. Looking to the skies: Air mobility in Zed's future plans While Zed's current focus is on optimizing road mobility, its leadership is keeping an eye on the future of aerial transport. As Dubai pioneers initiatives in air taxis and vertical mobility infrastructure, Zed sees a potential opportunity to integrate this into its multi-modal strategy. 'We're watching this space carefully,' Patwa confirms. 'When the time is right, Zed will be ready—with a clear strategy to help bring the future of urban commuting to life.' Co-creating the future with users Central to Zed's success is its belief in co-creation. Users are not just riders; they are partners in shaping the platform. Feedback is integrated into product design cycles, and both riders and drivers are seen as essential to building a better mobility ecosystem. From beta-testing new features to community surveys and driver town halls, Zed ensures every voice counts. 'The most powerful design tool is dialogue,' Patwa says. 'That's how we stay relevant. That's how we stay human.' More than a ride: Zed's role in Dubai's mobility renaissance Zed represents more than just a well-designed app. It stands for a new approach to movement in a city that's constantly in motion. It's a quiet revolution—one that prioritizes people, honors local culture, and builds for the long-term. By creating a ride-hailing experience that reflects Dubai's identity—its pace, its people, and its potential—Zed is proving that the future of mobility isn't just about going faster or farther. It's about going smarter, kinder, and more meaningfully. 'Mobility is not just about getting from A to B,' says Al Ghurair. 'It's about how you feel along the way.'
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
2 top Hong Kong taxi fleets approved for pre-booked pick ups at border crossings
Two of the city's premium taxi fleets will be allowed to pick up pre-booked passengers at designated locations within prohibited zones at the Shenzhen Bay Port and the local control point of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Friday. Advertisement The Hong Kong government said on Thursday that, starting the next day, passengers would be able to book their journeys through the trial-run fleets Joie and SynCab's mobile apps or using other compatible online ride-hailing channels. The fleets' citywide services include designated pickup points at the two ports. The collection spots are located near the crossings' passenger clearance areas. 'The measure provides convenience to members of the public and visitors to enjoy quality fleet taxi services, and enables fleet operators to collect operational data and passenger feedback during trial operations, with a view to providing reliable services of higher quality at the time of official service commencement,' the Transport Department said. People wait for cross-boundary coaches at the Shenzhen Bay Port. Photo: Dickson Lee Authorities also said the two fleets currently operated about 300 taxis in total, with the cabs being issued permits to enter prohibited zones.
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Japan may allow bus and railway firms to enter ride-hailing business
A government panel proposed Wednesday that bus and railway operators be considered for entry into Japan's ride-hailing industry. The proposal was made by the Regulatory Reform Promotion Council, chaired by Tetsuro Tomita, adviser to East Japan Railway. At a meeting of the council on the day, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said: "Regulatory reforms are extremely important to overcome challenges caused by the population decline, realize 'regional revitalization 2.0' and shift to a value-adding economy. My cabinet will promptly approve a regulatory reform implementation plan." The Japanese approach to ride-hailing services, which began in April 2024, allows individual drivers to use their private vehicles to offer paid rides under the supervision of taxi companies. Bus and taxi operators have not been permitted to undertake this supervisory role. The council called for promoting ride-hailing services to address the nationwide transportation shortage and suggested a trial for bus and railway operators to identify potential safety and other issues. It also proposed system revisions to relax and clarify requirements for bus and railway operators to obtain taxi business licenses.
CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Uber expands across B.C., challenging local taxi and ride-hailing companies in some cities
Communities across B.C. will now have access to the ride-hailing app Uber starting Wednesday, as the company expands outside Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna. While this may be promising news for some, taxi and other ride-hailing companies operating in those smaller communities are making the pitch as to why passengers should stick with them. For example, Uride, which operates in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Penticton, Prince George, Vernon, Comox and Courtenay, started in Thunder Bay, Ont., after CEO Cody Ruberto started giving rides to folks to prevent impaired driving. It works similarly to Uber and Lyft, where customers can order a ride on an app on their phone. "It's kind of Canada's homegrown rideshare company," Ruberto told CBC's The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn. Ruberto said they get a lot of uptake in the communities in which Uride operates, and they try to focus on driver satisfaction, which, in turn, usually translates to happy customers. "If we have enough drivers in a city to meet demand and a little bit extra, there's times where we pause hiring and add more drivers as demand increases," he said. "It's critical for us to make it a great job for drivers and great service for drivers." WATCH | Uber goes provincewide: Uber is going province-wide in B.C. 16 hours ago Duration 2:05 After coming to Vancouver in 2020, Uber is finally going province-wide on Wednesday, moving into smaller regional communities like Nanaimo. While some are eager to see a new way of getting around, others, as Claire Palmer reports, are worried about the impact it may have on existing cab companies and rideshare services. He's hopeful British Columbians will apply the push to support local at the grocery store to make similar decisions when it comes to choosing a ride-hailing company. "It's sort of like the David versus Goliath, right, a $150 billion U.S. company versus the homegrown Canadian [ride-hailing] service." Mohan Kang, the president of the B.C. Taxi Association agrees. "Uber money flies over the border," he said. "The taxis, we all live in those communities. We pay taxes; we do everything a Canadian would be expected to do." Kang, who has been involved with the taxi industry for about 50 years, said taxi drivers and companies across B.C. are worried about the introduction of Uber after what they saw in Vancouver. Taxis have lost about half their business to companies like Uber and Lyft, Kang estimated. When Uber arrived in Vancouver, many drivers left taxi companies to join Uber or Lyft. "It's going to hurt small taxi companies right up to shutting them down," Kang said. He said there was never "a level playing field" in Vancouver, where taxis and ride-hailing companies had different rules and regulations around things like fleet size. Kang believes there are enough taxis in B.C. communities to serve their respective populations. "They serve the community well." The app soft-launched in Vancouver in 2012, and only a few months later, the company withdrew from the city. After a lot of drama around ride-hailing legislation and taxis fighting against ride-hailing, the company returned to Vancouver in January of 2020. Uber expanded to Victoria, Chilliwack and Kelowna in 2023. Uber's pitch In its news release, the company said driving with Uber can be a flexible way to make a living — for those with safe driving records. The company emphasized the ability to work when and where you want. Uber said it is offering a $500 incentive for eligible drivers who take 10 trips in their respective communities in the first four weeks of operating. Uber Canada general manager Michael van Hemmen said it's also a benefit to riders, as well. "[B.C.] is an expensive place to live," he said. "Owning a car is expensive … instead of owning two cars and you can have a family and get away with one car and use transit and Uber for your other rides, you're saving money." The company has partnered with community organizations, including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), that are helping promote the service. "Keeping roads safe is a responsibility we all share — and in British Columbia, that starts with giving people better options to get home," MADD CEO Steve Sullivan said in a news release. "Whether in a big city or a smaller community, every safe ride is a step toward preventing impaired driving and protecting lives." Van Hemmen said Uber will be particularly beneficial in communities that don't have other reliable transportation options, like the SkyTrain in Vancouver.
