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Thursday, September 3, 2026 · UTC
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Uber launches self-driving taxis in London with safety drivers

Uber becomes the first company to launch autonomous minicabs in London, though each requires a human safety driver.

TruthFoundry News Desk
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Stands on 8 placed sources from 2 publishers.
Uber launched the UK's first robotaxi service in London on 2026-04-12, initially deploying a fleet of 15 autonomous Ford Mustang electric vehicles. [1] Uber added Wayve's autonomous vehicles to its app on Thursday, launching London's first self-driving taxis for hire. [2] Each of the 15 initial autonomous vehicles in London must have a human safety driver behind the wheel ready to take control if anything goes wrong. [3] Uber surveyed London-based customers via the app and found that more than 100,000 respondents said they would choose a self-driving taxi if one was available. [4] Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, stated that the AI Driver technology is still maturing but that robotaxi services without a safety driver will eventually come. [5] Regulatory approval for fully autonomous operations without a safety driver is now seen as unlikely this year. [6] The Wayve autonomous vehicles currently operate with a licensed human driver sitting in the front seat to take over controls if needed. [7] Uber's global head of autonomous mobility and delivery Sarfraz Maredia said on 2026-04-12 that human drivers will remain on Uber London for a long time to come as the market grows. [8]
What this stands on
  1. Uber launched the UK's first robotaxi service in London on 2026-04-12, initially deploying a fleet of 15 autonomous Ford Mustang electric vehicles. · BBC News
  2. Uber added Wayve's autonomous vehicles to its app on Thursday, launching London's first self-driving taxis for hire. · The Guardian
  3. Each of the 15 initial autonomous vehicles in London must have a human safety driver behind the wheel ready to take control if anything goes wrong. · BBC News
  4. Uber surveyed London-based customers via the app and found that more than 100,000 respondents said they would choose a self-driving taxi if one was available. · BBC News
  5. Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, stated that the AI Driver technology is still maturing but that robotaxi services without a safety driver will eventually come. · The Guardian
  6. Regulatory approval for fully autonomous operations without a safety driver is now seen as unlikely this year. · The Guardian
  7. The Wayve autonomous vehicles currently operate with a licensed human driver sitting in the front seat to take over controls if needed. · The Guardian
  8. Uber's global head of autonomous mobility and delivery Sarfraz Maredia said on 2026-04-12 that human drivers will remain on Uber London for a long time to come as the market grows. · BBC News
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