Jinan's Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation has opened its first batch of 51 roads for intelligent connected vehicle testing, marking a key step in advancing smart transportation.

The network spans 106.7 kilometers in Daqiao and Cuizhai subdistricts. Adopting an "infrastructure-ready" approach, the area integrated digital systems into the road network from the outset, enabling coordinated development of industry, governance and public services.

As a core demonstration zone for Jinan's vehicle–road–cloud integration pilot, the area has rolled out a range of real-world applications. Autonomous buses are in operation, while unmanned sweepers, logistics vehicles and smart parking systems are being tested.

Future development will focus on improving transport management and logistics efficiency. By the end of 2026, the area plans to deploy 100 unmanned delivery vehicles, building an intelligent last-mile delivery network linking distribution centers with community service stations.

In the near future, the area aims to upgrade more than 200 km of roads and 220 intersections, with over 300 intelligent connected vehicles expected to be in operation, further supporting the development of integrated autonomous transport systems.

The autonomous buses in the Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation. [Photo/WeChat account: jnxxq2017]