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Wed, 02 Sep 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 Uber launches UK's first robotaxis with a driver - here's what it's like to ride in one

The ride-hailing app has launched 15 self-driving taxis, but they will have safety drivers inside.

* Uber has launched a self-driving taxi service in London, with 15 autonomous vehicles initially available.
* Each vehicle must have a human safety driver behind the wheel ready to take control if anything goes wrong.
* The service is currently available as an option in the app after a journey has been booked, and only appears as an option if one of Uber's self-driving cars is nearby.
* The UK fare for a robotaxi ride will be the same as a standard UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort journey.
* The technology used by Wayve, which powers Uber's autonomous vehicles, uses AI to analyse data from sensors in real-time to determine actions on the spot.
* The launch of self-driving taxis is part of a wider effort to bring fully driverless cars to London, with the government and industry previously suggesting that this could happen as early as 2026.
* However, regulators are taking a cautious approach, with Transport for London (TfL) saying they need to ensure the safety of the vehicles before allowing them on the roads.
* Industry experts have highlighted numerous challenges around self-driving cars, including how they will respond in emergency situations.