AustriaIn Zagreb, Croatia, autonomous taxis operated by the Chinese company Pony.ai have begun offering rides through a mobile app, marking a significant technological advancement in urban mobility. These self-driving vehicles, branded as 'Verne,' are part of a pilot program launched by the Croatian startup Project 3 Mobility, founded by automotive entrepreneur Mate Rimac. The service allows users to book rides via an app, with the vehicle operating without human intervention once the system is engaged. While a human driver is present during the initial phase for safety, they do not actively control the car. The initiative has gained popularity among locals, with over 1,000 early adopters and thousands more waiting to access the service. The project highlights Croatia’s relatively flexible regulatory environment, which has enabled this innovation to take place ahead of many other European cities.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the introduction of autonomous taxi technology in Zagreb and does not engage with political issues, ideologies, or policy debates. It provides a factual account of the technological development and its implications for transportation, without any apparent ideological framing.
