Uber is gearing up to introduce self-driving taxis on the streets of London as early as 2026, marking a significant step forward for the UK’s autonomous vehicle industry. This announcement comes in tandem with the UK government’s plans to advance the rollout of driverless services as part of a nationwide initiative to modernize transport.
The initial phase of Uber’s pilot program will see autonomous vehicles operating with a human safety driver behind the wheel—ready to intervene if necessary. Over time, however, the program aims to progress to fully driverless operations, in what will be the first commercial deployment of autonomous taxis in the UK without any onboard human supervision.
These services will not be limited to taxis. The government’s green light also extends to “bus-like” autonomous public transport options, showcasing a broad vision for integrating driverless technology into everyday transit systems.
The Vision Behind the Move
Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility and Business Operations, highlighted London’s dense traffic and complexity as a prime testing ground. “Our vision is to make autonomy a safe and reliable option for riders everywhere, and this trial in London brings that future closer to reality,” he said.
Members of the public will be able to book these autonomous rides via the Uber app starting in spring 2026. A broader expansion could follow in 2027, once the UK’s newly introduced Automated Vehicles Act comes into full effect.
The UK government estimates that this leap into autonomous transport could generate up to 38,000 new jobs and contribute £42 billion to the national economy by 2035. Officials also point to the potential for significant road safety improvements, arguing that self-driving vehicles, with faster reaction times and access to vast datasets of driving scenarios, could outperform even the most skilled human drivers in terms of accident prevention.
“The future of transport is arriving,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.”
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of moving quickly in the global race for AI and autonomous innovation: “We can’t afford to take a back seat on AI…. That’s why we’re bringing timelines forward today.”
Building Trust in the Technology
Driverless vehicle testing in the UK dates back to 2015, with domestic innovators like Wayve and Oxa making considerable strides. Wayve CEO Alex Kendall noted that these initial public trials are vital for building confidence in the technology while paving the way for new job markets and mobility services.
Future regulations under the Automated Vehicles Act will mandate that autonomous cars meet or exceed the safety standards of a careful and competent human driver. The government maintains that such vehicles—able to instantly assess complex traffic conditions and learn from global real-world incidents—can help reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
A Global Trend
The UK is joining a growing list of countries embracing driverless transport. Cities in the United States and China, such as Wuhan, already have self-driving taxi fleets operating in limited areas. Uber’s London pilot could position the UK as a key player in the global autonomous transport revolution.
As the trial rolls out and the technology matures, Londoners may soon find themselves stepping into a new era of urban mobility—one where the car drives itself.
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