Uber prepares to launch self-driving taxis in London from spring 2026
- The UK will allow trials of self-driving taxis and bus-like services starting spring 2026, one year earlier than planned.
- Uber will collaborate with Wayve to launch its self-driving taxi services in London, initially with a human driver present.
- This initiative is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and enhance road safety in the UK.
In a significant advancement for autonomous vehicle technology, the United Kingdom is set to permit the operation of self-driving taxis and bus-like services by spring 2026. This decision announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) marks a crucial milestone, as it allows companies for the first time to trial autonomous commercial services without requiring a human driver to monitor the journey. Uber has partnered with the artificial intelligence start-up Wayve to initiate its self-driving taxi services in London, which are currently scheduled to start in spring 2026, a full year earlier than initially anticipated. These trials will begin with a human driver present in the vehicle to take control in emergencies, gradually moving towards fully autonomous operations. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed this development as a major step in the future of transportation in the UK. The faster introduction of these technologies is expected to foster job creation and investment, positioning the UK as a potential leader in autonomous technology. The framework for these trials is based on the upcoming Automated Vehicles Act, which is expected to become law in the latter half of 2027. This legislation will require automated vehicles to achieve safety standards equivalent to those of competent human drivers while also opening the door for the wider use of self-driving private cars. It is believed that the development of automated driving technology could generate 38,000 jobs and result in a £42 billion contribution to the UK economy by 2035. The DfT emphasizes the importance of incorporating road safety into these trials and legislative steps, reflecting the commitment to creating jobs and advancing innovation in British industry. As London, often cited as one of the world’s busiest and most complex urban environments, prepares for this transformation, Uber's chief operating officer Andrew Macdonald underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous transportation options for riders. This initiative not only highlights the rapid evolution of transportation technology but also the UK government’s proactive approach in establishing regulatory frameworks that support progress in this sector.