Uber Launches Robotaxis in London: How to Sign Up for Test Rides

Uber and UK-based company Wayve have announced the launch of a pilot autonomous taxi service in London. City residents can apply to participate in the first rides, which are set to begin later this year. To do so, users need to go to the Uber app settings and select the "autonomous vehicles" option under "ride settings."

The service will initially operate in a limited capacity: the fleet will consist of a few to a dozen vehicles, and the coverage area has not yet been disclosed. The cost of a ride in an autonomous taxi will match standard UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort fares. However, all vehicles will be equipped with a safety driver who can take control if necessary.

London will become one of the first cities outside the US and China to test commercial self-driving taxi rides. While the UK currently has no fully autonomous vehicles on public roads, the government plans to permit pilot projects starting in 2026. A full-scale launch of such services is expected no earlier than late 2027, when the Automated Vehicles Act comes into force.

Uber and Wayve are not the only players aiming to enter the London market. Uber is also collaborating with Chinese tech giant Baidu, while Waymo (owned by Alphabet) is exploring the possibility of launching its service in the UK capital.