Uber’s robotaxis granted licence to hit London with human drivers

Uber’s robotaxis have been granted a licence to hit the roads of London this summer – but there’s a catch.

Tech company Wayve said its autonomous Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles can start ferrying pᴀssengers across the capital after Transport for London (TfL) awarded private hire vehicle licences.

But for the time being, a human driver will need to be sat behind the wheel at all times – much like the traditional taxis which have roamed the capital’s streets for decades.

They have to be a qualified driver and must remain responsible for the car throughout the journey. 

Londoners keen to soak in the driverless experience will need to wait for Uber and Wayve to first demonstrate the technology is safe and then obtain separate approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Around 100,000 people signed up to express their interest in riding in a robotaxi and Uber confirmed that some of these applicants will be offered sneak peek rides in the vehicles ‘later this summer’, ahead of a full public launch.

Customers who request an UberX, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort may soon be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost, according to Uber. 

Uber’s Wayve robotaxis have been granted a licence to hit the roads of London this summer – but there will need to be a qualified driver behind the wheel at all times (Stock PH๏τo)

If it’s not for you, and you’d prefer a human driver, you’ll have the option to decline.

Inside the car, you’ll find interactive screens where you can start the ride, and see its planned path.

You’ll also be able to contact support if needed – with 64 languages available. 

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Wayve vice president for global affairs and ᴀssurance, Sarah Gates, said: ‘This licence is an important step towards giving Londoners the chance to experience autonomous driving technology.

‘The responsible deployment of these vehicles will bring us safer, cleaner and quieter streets, and we’re proud to continue working alongside regulators, communities and the public as we take the next steps towards making autonomous rides a reality in the capital.’

Uber global head of autonomous mobility operations Annie Duvnjak said: ‘This licence is a key milestone in bringing autonomous rides to London on Uber.

‘Our interest list has seen an incredible response from Londoners who are excited to experience Wayve’s British-built autonomous driving technology.’

A TfL spokesperson said safety is its ‘top priority’ and any new vehicle licensed to carry pᴀssengers must align with its target of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041. 

Wayve’s modifications to the Mustang Mach-E – including the addition of six cameras – were ᴀssessed by experts who found ‘they do not compromise pᴀssenger safety,’ the spokesperson added. 

London will be the first city in the world to use Wayve technology for commercial journeys.

Pictured: The interior of a Wayve vehicle. The tech company said its autonomous Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles can start taking pᴀssengers across the capital in the coming weeks

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Wayve is also working with car manufacturers such as Nissan and Stellantis to deploy its systems in private vehicles.

The launch will put Uber in stiff compeтιтion with Waymo, which is also on the brink of launching robotaxis in London. 

Waymo is currently testing its fleet of distinctive white Jaguar vehicles, which are designed to offer a completely autonomous, self-driving taxi service.

And if they are successful, riders may be driven by chauffeurless vehicles as early as next year.

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