Shanghai becomes the first Chinese city to license self-driving cars to carry passengers

Shanghai has become the first city in China to issue permits allowing passengers to be carried on the streets in self-driving cars. Initial licenses have been granted to Chinese automaker SAIC motor group, Germany’s BMW, and ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing. Under the terms of the permit, each company is allowed to deploy up to 50 vehicles. If there’s no incident after six months, there’s room for the firms to expand their fleets. A human driver must always be available to take control if needed. Members of the public who volunteer for test rides must be in good health and be aged between 18 and 70. Companies must provide insurance for the passengers, a result of a regulation passed last week by Shanghai’s government.