Ride & Mobility

Apollo Go teams up with Lyft for Europe launch

Published

21 hours ago

August 6, 2025

Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing unit, announced a strategic partnership with Lyft, a global mobility platform, on Monday, marking a significant step in the Chinese tech giant’s international expansion.

According to the statement, Apollo Go will launch autonomous ride-hailing services in Europe via Lyft’s vast transportation networks by 2026. Using its sixth-generation autonomous vehicles, the services will first launch in Germany and the United Kingdom.

The partnership also envisions expanding the fleet to several thousand vehicles across Europe in the following years, driving large-scale commercialization of autonomous mobility in the region, the companies said.

“This collaboration with Lyft to launch autonomous ride-hailing in Europe, starting with Germany and the UK, is a major milestone in Apollo Go’s globalization strategy,” said Robin Li, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Baidu.

Li added that Baidu will continue to deepen the integration of its cutting-edge autonomous driving technology with Lyft’s operational expertise, delivering safer, greener and more efficient mobility experiences to users across Europe.

Lyft CEO David Risher also noted that as the Chinese tech heavyweight operates the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing platform, the cooperation is expected to bring invaluable experience to the table.

“This means we can offer the benefits of autonomous mobility — safety, reliability, and privacy — to millions of users across Europe,” Risher said.

Apollo Go has been accelerating its global footprint through worldwide collaborations. Earlier this year, the company launched pilot services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. More recently, it reached a separate agreement with Uber to integrate thousands of autonomous vehicles into Uber’s global ride-hailing network.

The tech player is also playing a growing role in advancing smart mobility and enriching cultural tourism in China.

Earlier this month, the company launched Hainan province’s first full-scenario autonomous ride-hailing service in the province’s capital city of Haikou, with pilot routes covering major cultural and tourist landmarks such as Holiday Beach and Qilou Old Street.

Local residents and tourists can conveniently hail a ride via a mobile app or WeChat mini-program and have the option of activating a Hainan-style voice assistant during the ride, according to Apollo Go.

“I used to just see autonomous vehicles online, now it’s actually in my city!” said a Haikou resident surnamed Yang.

“The ride was incredibly smart and user-friendly. You can even recline the seat and enjoy a massage. I can see that visitors are amazed by the high-tech vibe of transportation in Hainan,” Yang said.

“We hope smart mobility can ease travel congestion during peak seasons while offering a unique experience that reflects both the convenience of the free trade port and the laid-back lifestyle of Hainan,” said an official from the Hainan provincial department of culture, radio, film, television, publications and sports.

According to Apollo Go, the company has to date deployed over 1,000 autonomous vehicles across 15 cities globally, delivering more than 11 million rides, with domestic coverage including major cities such as Beijing; Shanghai; Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province; and Haikou.

Fan Feifei contributed to this story.

lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn

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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.

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Ride & Mobility

Top 5 Ride Sharing App Development Companies in USA 2025

Published

11 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.

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