Tech company Wayve's autonomous robotaxis have been added to the Uber app in London, allowing passengers to hire self-driving cabs for the first time. The service launched on Thursday, September 3, following approval from Transport for London (TfL) last month.
How the service works
The robotaxis are modified Ford Mustangs that can be booked and unlocked through the Uber app. Each vehicle still includes a licensed human driver seated in the front, ready to take control if necessary. According to the Guardian, the driver introduces themselves at the start of the trip and explains they will not speak for the rest of the journey, though passengers can request them to take over the vehicle if they prefer.
Limited availability and future expansion
Only 15 driverless cars have been licensed in the capital so far, making it unlikely that most passengers will encounter one immediately. However, that number could increase over time. Google-owned Waymo and Chinese company Baidu are also testing robotaxis in London, suggesting broader adoption may follow.
Fully driverless cabs, operating without a safety driver, are already in use in other parts of the world, including the US, China and the UAE. In the UK, however, fully autonomous taxis are not expected to hit the roads soon. Approval for such vehicles requires a separate process run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which is unlikely to be completed in 2026.
Broader transport developments
The launch comes amid other transport news in London. HS2 has completed construction on the first six platforms of its Old Oak Common station, and the city is set to gain direct trains to Europe every 15 minutes. These developments signal ongoing investment in the capital's transport infrastructure.
