WeRide And Uber Commence Autonomous Robotaxi Rides In Riyadh

• Starting on Friday, Uber riders traveling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University may be able to select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR.
• While at the initial launch, each robotaxi will include a vehicle operator, it will transition to fully driverless operations in the future, the companies said.
   

WeRide (WRD) and Uber Technologies (UBER) have commenced offering autonomous robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh.

Starting on Friday, Uber riders traveling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University may be able to select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR, the companies said.

Slow Transition To Fully Autonomous Rides

While at the initial launch, each robotaxi will include a vehicle operator, it will transition to fully driverless operations in the future, the companies said. They also noted that this marks the first time autonomous vehicles are publicly available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia.

“This milestone, in partnership with the Transport General Authority and WeRide, marks an important next step in our progress across the Middle East as we continue expanding access to AVs while building safer and more sustainable transportation for all.” 
- Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Uber

China-based WeRide announced in July that its robotaxi had been granted an autonomous driving permit in Saudi Arabia. The company now holds autonomous driving permits in seven markets, including China, the U.A.E., Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the U.S.

While WRD stock jumped 4% in the pre-market session at the time of writing, UBER shares traded 1% higher.

How Did Stocktwits Users React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around WRD stock stayed within the ‘extremely bearish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume remained at ‘low’ levels.

Meanwhile, retail sentiment around UBER jumped from ‘bearish’ to ‘neutral’ territory while message volume rose from ‘low’ to ‘high’ levels.

WRD stock has dropped 26% this year while UBER gained 56%. 

Read also: JPMorgan To Let Clients Use Bitcoin, Ethereum As Loan Collateral By Year-End: Report

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