Uber opens London waiting list for driverless taxis ahead of planned summer launch
Uber has started asking London passengers if they want to ride in a driverless taxi as the company prepares to introduce autonomous minicabs in the capital for the first time. The move is part of Uber’s partnership with British self-driving technology company Wayve, which is seeking approval from the Department for Transport, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and Transport for London to begin commercial passenger journeys.
Previously, Jaguar I-PACE SUVs have already been taking part in UK self-driving vehicle trials, highlighting how autonomous technology has been developing on British roads for several years. Autonomous vehicles will be expected to comply with London’s transport regulations if commercial services expand across the capital.
Users can now join a waiting list through the Uber app and, if the service receives regulatory approval, could be matched with an autonomous vehicle when booking a journey. Uber says fares will be the same as standard rides.
The companies are aiming for a launch as early as this summer. During the initial phase, a human safety driver will remain behind the wheel and be able to take control if required.
Wayve says it has been testing autonomous vehicles on London roads since 2018 and believes the capital presents one of the world’s most demanding environments for self-driving technology. The company points to London’s complex road layout, frequent roadworks, and high numbers of pedestrians and cyclists as key challenges for automated systems.
The planned launch follows the introduction of the Autonomous Vehicles Act 2024, which created a legal framework for self-driving vehicles in the UK. Earlier this year, the government opened an application process for operators wishing to take part in pilot schemes for autonomous passenger services.
According to the Department for Transport, the programme is intended to gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles navigate busy roads, interact with traffic and transport passengers safely.
London would become the first city in the world to offer commercial passenger journeys using Wayve’s technology under the company’s current plans. The business has already announced ambitions to expand to more than 10 cities globally with Uber, including Tokyo.
Uber says the service will launch with a small fleet before expanding over time.
The plans add to a growing race to establish autonomous transport services in the capital. Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, has also been testing self-driving vehicles in London ahead of potential commercial operations.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said self-driving technology has the potential to improve transport while supporting economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs in the UK. Further information about the government’s autonomous vehicle programme is available through the Department for Transport.
Would you feel comfortable booking a driverless taxi in London? Share your thoughts as autonomous transport moves closer to everyday use across the capital. Read more London transport and technology coverage on EyeOnLondon.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
