In a major development for autonomous transportation, Uber is launching driverless taxi trials in London in partnership with British AI firm Wayve. The move comes as the UK government fast-tracks its framework for autonomous “bus and taxi-like” services, potentially bringing self-driving vehicles to public roads sooner than originally planned.
Wayve has already been testing its AI-powered driving technology in London under human supervision, adhering to current legislation. Uber’s latest move signals its intention to be at the forefront of the UK’s evolving driverless landscape.
Fast-Tracking the Future of Autonomous Mobility
The announcement comes on the heels of another policy shift by the UK Department for Transport, which has revised its timeline for the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Initially scheduled for 2026, then delayed to late 2027, the government now says it will allow small-scale autonomous bus and taxi-like services to operate even earlier.
While Uber has not confirmed whether customers will be able to ride in the trial vehicles just yet, the company reiterated that it plans to integrate autonomous options into its UK app once legislation permits.
In a previous pilot in Austin, Texas, Uber rolled out its robotaxi service—allowing users to choose a driverless vehicle at no additional cost. The firm stated those cars could operate 20 hours a day, 7 days a week.
AI on the Roads: What to Expect
The Wayve system, which Uber plans to use, features real-time AI-driven decision-making, sensors, and radar mounted on vehicles like the Ford Mach-E. During a BBC-reported trial ride through central London, a safety driver remained in the vehicle but did not touch the controls during the 30-minute drive—despite navigating common hazards like congestion, construction, cyclists, and even a pedestrian on crutches.
According to the Department for Transport, the UK’s autonomous vehicle industry could generate 38,000 jobs and contribute £42 billion to the economy by 2035.
However, not everyone is optimistic. Speaking to the BBC, GMB union’s national secretary Andy Prendergast raised concerns about the “significant social implications” of driverless transport, including potential job losses for traditional drivers.
Global Context: The Rise (and Risks) of Robotaxis
Globally, driverless cars have clocked millions of miles in countries like China, the UAE, and Singapore, with studies suggesting they are less prone to accidents than human drivers. Still, issues persist. San Francisco’s robotaxi program was recently suspended after multiple safety malfunctions, and reports of accidents and technical glitches continue to surface.
As Tesla also plans to launch a competing driverless service in Austin this month, the race for robotaxi dominance is heating up.