Ride & Mobility

Lyft and Baidu to launch autonomous electric ride-hailing in Europe from 2026

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2025

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.

lyft.com

Source link

Ride & Mobility

Bolt granted license to operate in Zanzibar, marking major leap in ride-hailing policy

Published

7 hours ago

August 6, 2025

The Citizen Reporter

Unguja. Zanzibar has officially licensed ride-hailing company Bolt to operate on the islands, marking a significant policy shift that opens the door for tech-enabled mobility services in the Isles

The announcement, made on August 6, signals a new chapter for urban transport in Unguja, as authorities seek to modernise public mobility while unlocking economic opportunities tied to tourism and digital platforms.

Bolt’s entry into Zanzibar is the first major ride-hailing deployment on the islands and comes amid growing demand for efficient, safe, and flexible transportation options — particularly during peak tourism seasons.

The company, which operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities worldwide, says its presence will benefit both local residents and international visitors.

“This milestone is a vote of confidence in Bolt’s track record, and we’re proud to deploy our platform in service of Zanzibar’s economic ambitions,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager for Bolt Tanzania.

“We applaud the Government’s bold and progressive decision to embrace ride-hailing as a tool for economic stimulation and inclusive growth.”

Kanyankole also acknowledged the collaborative role of the Zanzibar Road Transport and Safety Authority (ZARTASA), noting that constructive policy dialogue helped shape a regulatory framework that supports innovation, job creation, and improved mobility services.

For the government, the move reflects a broader strategy to leverage technology and private-sector partnerships to stimulate community-level growth. Officials say formalizing ride-hailing platforms like Bolt will not only help decongest urban areas but also support informal job creation and improve service delivery across sectors.

The timing is critical. According to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, the islands recorded more than 106,000 international visitors in July alone — the highest monthly tourist arrival in the archipelago’s history. Since the start of 2025, Zanzibar has already welcomed nearly half a million tourists, placing significant pressure on the region’s transport infrastructure.

Bolt’s rollout is expected to boost resilience in mobility during high-tourism periods while offering familiar, tech-enabled solutions for global travellers. The platform also promises to open income streams for local drivers, who can now plug into a globally recognized system with in-app safety features and transparent pricing.

The company has yet to confirm the exact number of drivers or routes for its Zanzibar service but has emphasized that operations will begin in Unguja, with potential expansion based on demand and regulatory support.

As Zanzibar continues to evolve as a high-profile destination, the entry of Bolt could serve as a model for further digital transformation in transport and tourism.

Source link

Ride & Mobility

Top 5 Ride Sharing App Development Companies in USA 2025

Published

12 hours ago

August 6, 2025

the Editor

The ride-sharing industry in the USA remains one of the fastest-evolving sectors in 2025, fueled by technological innovations, changing consumer demand, and sustainability initiatives such as electric vehicles (EVs). As urban mobility transforms, businesses seeking to develop or enhance ride-sharing platforms need cutting-edge, scalable apps integrating AI, real-time tracking, peer-to-peer pricing models, and seamless user experience. Partnering with the right app development company in the USA is critical to building apps that stand out in the competitive market and meet modern consumer expectations.

This article presents the top 5 ride sharing app development companies in the USA for 2025, renowned for their expertise in crafting innovative, reliable, and comprehensive ride-sharing solutions. These firms enable startups and enterprises to launch apps tailored for diverse needs including scheduled rides, luxury services, corporate ride management, and eco-conscious transportation.

Why Choose Specialized Ride Sharing App Developers?

Ride sharing apps today go beyond simple ride-booking. They must integrate AI for predictive demand and driver behavior analytics, offer various ride options (pooling, luxury, scheduled, subscription models), and incorporate green mobility like electric vehicle compatibility. These apps also need secure payment gateways, user-friendly interfaces, and compliance with local regulations. US-based developers bring not only technological excellence but also deep understanding of the American urban mobility landscape, regulatory frameworks, and user expectations.

1. Apptunix

Apptunix rightfully takes the top spot as a leading ride sharing app development company in the USA for 2025. Renowned for building scalable ride-sharing and mobility service apps, Apptunix leverages AI and machine learning to pioneer modern transportation solutions. Their specialized features—such as EV fleet management, advanced driver and rider dashboards, and rapid adaptation of subscription-based ride models—set a high benchmark for the industry.

Clients commend Apptunix for secure in-app payment systems, multi-language support for broad market reach, and a transparent development process. Their rapid prototyping enables companies to launch market-ready apps swiftly and efficiently, meeting ever-evolving mobility trends with confidence.

2. Abservetech

Abservetech delivers robust, custom ride-sharing app solutions with real-time GPS tracking, multi-payment methods, and dynamic pricing. Their hybrid architecture and agile maintenance keep client applications at the forefront of innovation. With apps supporting peer-to-peer, corporate carpooling, and other ride-sharing models, Abservetech meets the diverse needs of both startups and established brands.

3. XByte Solutions

XByte Solutions provides comprehensive ride-sharing app services, including in-app chat, driver ratings, scheduled rides, and loyalty programs. Their focus on cloud-based fleet management and multipurpose app support allows for niche differentiation—women-only rides, airport transfers, and luxury services are all possible within their customizable frameworks.

4. RetroCube

RetroCube excels at creating intuitive, high-performance ride-sharing apps emphasized on user experience and operational efficiency. Their solutions feature AI-driven driver allocation, multi-tier pricing, and adherence to strict US data security standards. RetroCube is ideal for startups and rapidly scaling businesses targeting flexible ride options such as pooled, single, and corporate rides.

5. Mtoag Technologies

Mtoag Technologies covers the full spectrum of ride-sharing app development, integrating emergency assistance, fare calculation, loyalty rewards, and seamless third-party API integration. Their user-centric design and commitment to industry best practices deliver consistently outstanding mobile and web app experiences.

Conclusion

The ride-sharing industry in the USA is steering into a future built on technology, sustainability, and enhanced user experience. Choosing the right development partner is crucial to navigate this evolving landscape successfully. These top 5 companies—now led by Apptunix, followed by Abservetech, XByte Solutions, RetroCube, and Mtoag Technologies—are at the forefront of delivering innovative, scalable, and secure ride-sharing app solutions tailored for the diverse and competitive American market in 2025.

Whether you’re launching a startup or upgrading your existing platform, leveraging the expertise of these firms will ensure your app is equipped with modern features, operational robustness, and the flexibility to adapt to the future of urban mobility.

Source link