Ride & Mobility
Joby Said to Weigh Deal for Helicopter Ride-Share Operator Blade

(Bloomberg) — Joby Aviation Inc is exploring an acquisition of helicopter ride-share operator Blade Air Mobility Inc, according to people familiar with the matter.
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Joby has been evaluating a deal for Blade, which sells per-seat helicopter trips from New York City to nearby airports and resort towns, said the people, who asked to not be identified because the details aren’t public. The potential acquisition would give Joby, which is developing battery-powered air taxis, a ready-made market for its aircraft.
No final decision has been made and Joby could opt against pursuing a deal for Blade, the people added. Representatives for Joby and Blade didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Blade, which went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company in 2021, hasn’t reported an annual a profit since it listed. The company’s shares have fallen 10% this year, giving it a market value of $309 million.
Backed by Toyota Motor Corp., Joby expects to have five aircraft in one of the final phases of certification next year as it aims to start commercial flights in early 2026. The $13.6 billion company announced plans last month to double production capacity at its plant in Marina, California, to manufacture up to 24 aircraft a year.
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Ride & Mobility
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Strategic Business Report 2025 | Market to Reach $24.3 Billion by 2030 – Participation of Ride-Hailing Giants Expands Service Reach and Cost Flexibility – ResearchAndMarkets.com

The “Non-Emergency Medical Transportation – Global Strategic Business Report” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The global market for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation was estimated at US$16.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$24.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation market.
Growth in the non emergency medical transportation market is driven by several factors.
Expanding coverage of NEMT services in public insurance plans has increased demand and funding. Providers are adopting advanced digital dispatch, routing, and tracking software to improve service efficiency and regulatory compliance. Partnerships with ride-hailing networks and telehealth platforms are supporting new integrated care offerings.
Focus on patient outcomes and appointment attendance is motivating payers to reimburse more extensively for reliable NEMT services. Regulatory emphasis on accessible, safe medical transport continues encouraging investment in driver training and accessible vehicle fleets. Meanwhile, demand for convenient, on demand mobility solutions, especially among aging and mobility-impaired populations, is strengthening long term market growth.
How Are Regulatory Shifts and Health Policies Reshaping Non Emergency Medical Transportation?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provide vital mobility for patients who need assistance reaching appointments but do not require emergency care. Over the past few years, health policies have increasingly recognized reliable NEMT as essential to improving access and reducing hospital readmissions. Many public and private health insurers now include NEMT in benefit packages to ensure equitable care delivery. New regulations around Medicaid and value based care emphasize performance metrics-such as timeliness, safety, and patient satisfaction-pushing providers to upgrade services and infrastructure.
As healthcare systems transition from fee-for-service models to outcome-based payment, NEMT providers must demonstrate efficiency and quality standards. Licensing requirements, data transparency mandates, and safety audits have raised the bar for operational readiness. This regulatory environment encourages investment in fleet maintenance, driver training, and service monitoring platforms. It also prompts collaboration between healthcare networks, payers, and NEMT agencies to align on performance goals and agreed-upon standards.
What Role Is Technology Playing in Enhancing Service Efficiency and Safety?
Technology has become a cornerstone of modern NEMT operations. Sophisticated booking systems, often with cloud-based dashboards, allow coordination across providers and care settings. Real-time GPS monitoring, digital check-in features, and automated arrival notifications provide visibility into driver location and patient status. AI-driven routing and dynamic dispatch algorithms help minimize wait times, reduce idle mileage, and optimize resource allocation.
Equipped vehicles now integrate safety technology, such as wheelchair securement systems, driver-assist cameras, and emergency alert functions. Electronic logging tools record trip details and patient interactions to comply with regulatory documentation and audit requirements. Mobile apps offer patients and caregivers easy access to trip details, reminders, and driver credentials. These integrated systems are improving trust, reducing missed appointments, and helping agencies manage higher service volumes with fewer resources.
How Are Revenue Models and Partnerships Evolving in the NEMT Sector?
Traditional NEMT providers often relied on contracts from Medicaid and hospital networks. Today, innovative models are emerging alongside those partnerships. Ride-share integration, shared mobility programs, and broker systems are reshaping how services are delivered and reimbursed. Through app-based platforms, agencies can dispatch rides on demand while maintaining compliance with medical transport requirements.
Some NEMT providers are forming alliances with telehealth platforms, care-at-home programs, and chronic care management services. These partnerships allow for bundled care delivery, where transportation is coordinated alongside remote monitoring or in-home nursing visits. Outcome-based reimbursement models reward reduced no-show rates and better care continuity. Investment in NEMT technology startups has also attracted venture funding, enabling market entrants to scale rapidly through platform-driven efficiency and innovative service offerings.
Report Features:
- Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
- In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC, Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc., American Medical Response (AMR), Ambulnz, CareSafe Transportation and more.
- Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.
Key Insights:
- Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Private Pay Patient Transportation Service segment, which is expected to reach US$13.2 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.0%. The Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service segment is also set to grow at 8.0% CAGR over the analysis period.
- Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $4.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 10.8% CAGR to reach $5.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.
Scope of Study:
- Service (Private Pay Patient Transportation Service, Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service, Courier Services)
- Application (Dialysis Application, Routine Doctor Visits Application, Mental Health Related Appointments Application, Rehabilitation Application)
- End-Use (Hospitals & Clinics End-Use, Nursing Homes End-Use, Homecare Settings End-Use, MCO & State Agencies End-Use, Healthcare Payers End-Use)
Key Attributes:
Report Attribute | Details |
No. of Pages | 374 |
Forecast Period | 2024 – 2030 |
Estimated Market Value in 2024 | 16.2 Billion |
Forecasted Market Value by 2030 | 24.3 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate | 7.0% |
Regions Covered | Global |
Key Topics Covered:
MARKET OVERVIEW
- Influencer Market Insights
- World Market Trajectories
- Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation – Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E)
- Competitive Market Presence – Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E)
MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
- Rising Demand for Accessible Healthcare Services Drives Growth in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
- Increase in Aging Population and Chronic Disease Prevalence Expands Utilization of Routine Medical Travel Services
- Expansion of Government-Funded Healthcare Programs Supports Reimbursement for NEMT Services
- Integration of Ride-Booking Platforms and Digital Scheduling Tools Enhances Operational Efficiency
- Growing Emphasis on Reducing Missed Appointments Strengthens Business Case for Reliable Transport Access
- Shift Toward Value-Based Care Encourages Health Systems to Partner with NEMT Providers
- Use of GPS and Real-Time Tracking Technologies Improves Safety and Coordination Across Transport Networks
- Rise in Ambulatory and Home-Based Care Models Increases Need for Scheduled, Non-Urgent Patient Mobility
- Participation of Ride-Hailing Giants in Healthcare Logistics Expands Service Reach and Cost Flexibility
- Availability of Specialized Vehicles and Trained Drivers Supports Transport of Patients with Mobility Limitations
- Growth in Dialysis, Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy Visits Drives Repeat NEMT Utilization
- Telehealth Integration Spurs Hybrid Care Models Where NEMT Supports In-Person Diagnostics or Treatments
FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS | Some of the 32 companies featured in this Non-Emergency Medical Transportation report
- ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC
- Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc.
- American Medical Response (AMR)
- Ambulnz
- CareSafe Transportation
- Coastal Medical Transportation Systems LLC
- Crothall Healthcare
- Elite Medical Transport
- Falck a/S
- Global Medical Response, Inc.
- Lifeline VMT
- LogistiCare Solutions (ModivCare)
- London Medical Transportation Systems Inc.
- MediTrans
- MTM, Inc.
- Ridesharing Health (Uber Health/Lyft Health)
- Southeastrans, Inc.
- Transdev Group SA
- Veyo LLC
- Xpress Transportation
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m9srhn
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805000282/en/
Ride & Mobility
Lyft and Baidu to launch autonomous electric ride-hailing in Europe from 2026

Baidu and Lyft have announced a strategic partnership that will see the deployment of Apollo Go’s autonomous electric vehicles on the Lyft platform in key European markets. The rollout will begin in Germany and the United Kingdom starting next year. However, the plan is still subject to regulatory approval.
The companies state that their long-term goal is to expand the fleet to thousands of vehicles across Europe.
Under the agreement, Lyft will integrate Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6 autonomous vehicles into its platform as a flagship autonomous vehicle (AV) offering for the region. The RT6, a purpose-built electric vehicle designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing, features Baidu’s latest Apollo ADFM (Autonomous Driving Foundation Model), a multi-layer safety architecture, and real-time intelligent interaction systems.
“This collaboration represents our commitment to making autonomous mobility accessible worldwide while working with local partners who understand their communities,” said Robin Li, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Baidu. “By integrating Baidu’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology with Lyft’s platform reach and operational expertise, we’re excited to deliver safer, greener, and more efficient mobility solutions to more users.”
The partnership gives Baidu a foothold in the European market, while Lyft enhances its AV strategy by incorporating fully electric autonomous vehicles into its offering. Lyft will retain ownership of the operational marketplace, while Baidu will provide vehicle supply, technology validation and technical support. According to the companies, this approach aligns with Lyft’s hybrid network model, where autonomous and human-driven vehicles coexist to optimise rider experience.
“Our partnership with Baidu is all about creating a great customer experience,” said David Risher, CEO of Lyft. “Their extensive track record operating the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing service means we can bring all the benefits of AVs — safety, reliability, and privacy — to millions of Europeans.”
The partnership also leverages Lyft’s 2025 acquisition of FREENOW, a multi-modal platform with operations in over 180 cities across nine European countries. FREENOW’s local market knowledge, existing regulatory relationships, and infrastructure in the UK and Germany are seen as key enablers for the first phase of deployment.
Baidu just signed a similar agreement with Uber. Together, they will offer the Apollo Go cars in regions in Asia and the Middle East. However, no specific countries were named at this point.
What is clear is that Baidu’s robotaxi subsidiary, Apollo Go, already has a fleet of over 1,000 autonomous vehicles operating in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Baidu has long been ambitious in this field: The company has been experimenting with self-driving cars since 2013 and has now developed six generations of robotaxis in China. At the same time, its Apollo division is also making the technology available to car manufacturers. Baidu’s current robotaxi, called Yichi 06, has five lidars and no steering wheel. Apollo Go’s largest fleet of 400 robotaxis is currently on the road in Wuhan.
Ride & Mobility
Tesla Launches Ride-Hailing Service in Austin and California

Elon Musk has long promised that Tesla Inc. would revolutionize urban mobility with autonomous vehicles, and as of mid-2025, the company’s ride-hailing ambitions are finally taking shape amid regulatory hurdles and technological breakthroughs. What began as internal testing in the San Francisco Bay Area has evolved into a limited public rollout, with Tesla’s app now offering rides in select cities like Austin, Texas, and parts of California. This push comes at a pivotal time for the electric-vehicle giant, which reported robust quarterly earnings earlier this year, partly fueled by optimism around its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.
Investors and industry watchers are closely monitoring these developments, as Tesla seeks to compete with established players like Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo. According to a recent report from TipRanks.com, Tesla’s service is already operational for a small user base, with plans for broader expansion by year’s end, pending approvals.
Regulatory Roadblocks and Strategic Pivots
California regulators have been a key battleground. Tesla applied for initial permits in February, as detailed in a Reuters article, marking the first step toward a full robotaxi launch. However, the service’s debut in San Francisco last week was notably muted—no mention of self-driving capabilities, likely due to ongoing restrictions from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Posts on X, formerly Twitter, reflect growing excitement and skepticism among Tesla enthusiasts. Users have shared unverified claims of unsupervised FSD rides starting in Texas by June, with some predicting a nationwide rollout covering half the U.S. population by year-end, though these timelines often come with caveats about regulatory approval. Such online buzz underscores the high stakes, but industry insiders caution that these are speculative and not definitive indicators of progress.
Technological Foundations and Market Impact
At the core of Tesla’s strategy is its FSD technology, which Musk claims is 1,000% safer than human drivers. A Verge report from late 2024 revealed that employee testing in the Bay Area had been underway for months, building a data trove to refine algorithms. Recent updates to the Robotaxi app, as covered in The Cool Down, include seamless integration for summoning autonomous vehicles, helping Tesla rebound from earlier sales dips.
Financially, this gambit could unlock trillions in value. Analysts at Nasdaq estimate that even limited operations could generate significant revenue, with broader adoption hinging on overcoming permitting delays. Tesla’s job postings, highlighted in a Drive Tesla piece, suggest aggressive hiring for expansion into new markets, signaling confidence despite challenges.
Competitive Pressures and Future Horizons
Rivals aren’t standing still. Waymo has years of headway in autonomous operations, and Uber’s vast network poses a formidable threat. Yet Tesla’s vertical integration—controlling everything from vehicle production to software—gives it a unique edge, as noted in recent TechCrunch Mobility coverage, which describes the launch as a bold “gambit” amid evolving transportation dynamics.
Looking ahead, Musk’s vision extends to affordable models and FSD licensing deals, potentially in China and Europe by late 2025. Posts on X speculate about Cybercab production ramping up in 2026, but regulatory scrutiny remains a wildcard. For now, Tesla’s ride-hailing service represents a cautious step toward autonomy, blending human-operated rides with glimpses of a driverless future.
Investor Sentiment and Broader Implications
Wall Street’s reaction has been mixed. Shares surged 21% following early announcements, per TipRanks.com, but volatility persists amid approval uncertainties. A Investing.com report warns that full robotaxi deployment could take years, echoing CPUC statements that Tesla isn’t yet cleared for public self-driving transport.
For the electric-vehicle industry, Tesla’s moves could accelerate adoption of autonomous tech, pressuring competitors to innovate. Insiders see this as a litmus test for Musk’s ambitious timelines, with success potentially reshaping urban transit and failure risking reputational damage. As one X post put it, this is “the largest AI project in the world” entering a new chapter—hyperbole perhaps, but indicative of the transformative potential at stake.
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